HolUn^er Corp. 
pH8.5 



THE BAYON^ET 



% §xnmn, in imt %tU. 



By WM. H. McCartney (Major Muldoon), and J. H. SELWYN, 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, hy "Wm. H. McCartney 

(Major Muldoon), and John H. Selwyn, in the oflSce of the 

Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 




NEW YORK. 

1871. 



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DRAMATIS PERSON.^. 



Captain John Fitzhugh. 
Lieut. Richard Connery. 

" James Morgan. 

" Henry Thompson. 
Col. McManus. 
Surgeon Walker. 
Clarence King. 
Hon. Arthur Moore. 



Hon. Samuel Blowiiard. 
Col. Roland. 

Miss Bessie Moore (subse- 
quently Private Milroy). 
Miss Eleanor King. 
Mrs. John Fitzhugh. 
Miss Clara Connery. 
Mrs. Morgan. 



Servants. 



William, servant to Capt. Fitz- 
hugh. 

Uncle Peter, cook to Capt. 
Fitzhugh. 

Peter, Mr. Moore's servant. 



Confederate Officer. 
Federal Non-Commissioned 

Officers. 
Soldiers, Citizens, Farmers, &c. 



Time. 



1st Act, April, 1861. 

2d Act, three weeks later. 



3d Act, same time as last. 
4th Act, 1863. 



ACT FIRST. 

SCENE FIRST. 

{Lawyers office, of the firm FiizhugU & Connery.) 

{Conner y is seen sitting face to the audience looking over a 
legal document, and office hoy sits on a high stool.) 

{As the curtain rises, — Enter Jas. Morgan, a law stu- 
dent.) {L.) 

Morgan, Good nlorning, Mr. Connery. Rather lively 
news this morning. Of course you know the President 
has called for troops to quell the insurrection ? Indeed, 
sir, war seems inevitable, and the worst of all wars, — 
civil war. I wish — 

Connery, {Looks up for the first time, and interrupting 
M.) Yes. Shouldn't wonder. 

Morgan. Will you allow me to light a cigar, sir? and 
perhaps you will smoke ? Pantelas ; hardly up to the 
times, — mild, — but consoling. {Proffers Connery a 
cigar.) 

Connery. Yes. Thank you. Then it is war, you 
think, Mr. Morgan? It occurs to me, that the people 
ought to be satisfied with such legal scrimmages as we 
are able to get up for them, — {lights the cigar) — where 
their losses are confined mostly to the pocket. But war, 
I take it, is a sort of national litigation, Mr. Morgan ; 
and the book men tell us we must have it just about once 
in twenty years, — just as we have the violent cholera 
seasons, and just as, in other countries, they have the 
plague and other contagious diseases, — although I don't 
see any particular necessity for this war. But I suppose 
the politicians have arranged all that. Mr. Morgan, have 
we anything for trial to-day ? 

Morgan. {Reading from a docket.) Yes, sir. "State 
vs. Harding." The Harding case is down for to-day. Is 
it for trial ? 
1* 



6 THE BAYONET. 

Connery. Harding — Burglar — That's one of Mr. 
Fitzliugli's cases, Mr. Morgan. 

Morgan. Yes, sir. 

Connery. Yes. J thought so. Fitzhugh tries his 
cases. That's a weakness of his, Mr. Morgan. Never 
try a crimuial case, especially when the defendant is out 
on bail, as is this Harding, if you can get it postponed. 
Witnesses for the government die, — the district attorney 
forgets, that gentle sweet dame Justice grows blind with 
the lapse of time, and if we could only manage to have 
the policemen grow forgetful as they ripen in years — it 
would doubtless prove very gratifying to such men as 
Harding, and to a large but not very respectable class of 
our fellow-citizens. 

{Outside drums, cheers and slwuting. M. moves to the 
window. (J. remains seated.) 

Morgan. Troops, Mr. Conner}^ They seem to be re- 
cruits in all sorts of uniforms. Yes, and our man Hard- 
ing is in the ranks. And they have, some of them, the 
number of Mr. Fitzhugh's regiment. 

Connery. Yes. Soldiers, and the flag business. Mr. 
Fitzhugh's regiment paraded yesterday for inspection, I 
think. I apprehend that's what keeps him from the office 
so late this morning. Is it a part of Mr. Fitzhugh's regi- 
ment? 

Morgan. {Resuming his seat.) They certainly had his 
regimental number. 

Connery. That looks quite squally for the senior mem- 
ber of this firm. But Mr. Fitzhugh has always looked the 
soldier ; that is to say, so far as we Americans, who really 
know but little of that trade, can judge, and possibly, the 
time for action is near at hand. But I think we must 
report him missing from his engagement of yesterday. 

{Enter Fitzhugh.) {L.) 

Fitzhugh. Not if this judicial tribunal knows herself, 
and, gentlemen, she leans that way. But you will please 
allow me to suggest, that you two seem to be in league 
with the farmers, to raise the price of cabbages by burn-" 
ing them. Mr. Connery, I don't pretend to know enough 



THE BAYONET. 7 

about, farming to warrant me in writing a book on that 
subject, but I am willing to gamble that you bought that 
cigar in Chatham street. Whew! James! {To office 
ooy.) James ! please raise that window. {He raises it 
and resumes his seat.) Gentlemen, those cigars are strong 
enough and vile enough to stop a watch. 

Monjan. {Protesting.) But, Mr. Fitzhngh. Excuse 
me, I paid — 

Fitzhngh. Oh ! These were your cigars, were they? 

(Seats himself at his desk.) 

Mr. Morgan, if you really insist on smoking, please 
take my advice and don't use that kind of vegetable.'^ 
That loquacious Chinaman who sells cigars opposite the 
Astor House has a better brand than the Chatham-street 
cabbage brand. Elevate your taste Mr. Morgan ; elevate 
your taste, and patronize the Pagan I 

{Looks over his papers.) 

Morgan, But, Mr. Fitzhngh, — 

Filzhugh. Certainly. But, as our Celtic friends say, 
*' We zvill lave that go.'' How stands the docket to-day? 
Have we any strong candidates for that blissful seat of 
unwilling industry, Sing-Sing? 

Morgan. Harding's case is down for to-day, sir. But 
he don't seem to mind it much. I saw him out with a 
squad of soldiers a short time since. 

Filzhugh. Mr. Morgan ! You don't mean to tell me 
that you saw that twice-convicted burglar with a uniform 
on his back? 

Connery. {Interrupting.) Yes. But he saw him 
with part of a uniform on his back. And I must say, I 
fail to see how it deprives a man of his right to become a 
target to be shot at, to have been only twice convicted of 
the comparatively mild offence of burglary. Besides, you 
know, Mr. Fitzhngh, you ought not to complain, for you 
defended him, and it was through your brilliant legal 
strategy that he succeeded in getting into the State 
prison. 

Filzhugh. {Imitating C.) Yes. 

Connery. Yes. And while we are on the soldier ques- 
tion, {he smokes) please allow me to suggest for your 
edification captain ; that if there are people South so 



8 THE BAYONET. 

rash and indiscreet as to have fired on the flag ah'eady, 
and the president has called on your militia duffers to 
gun those disturbers of the public peace in return, I am 
inclined to the belief, I say, that between you, you will 
manage to get up a first-class row, and if I mistake not, 
you will need the services of the entire Harding family 
before you get through. 

Morgan. And, Mr. Fitzhugh, arn't you aware that 
there is something going on in the military line this morn- 
ing? 

Fitzhugh. Yes, gentlemen, as you both know our regi- 
ment was ordered to be in readiness some little time since, 
and when we received the order for the parade yesterday, 
I thought we were to be ordered away at once, although 
it hardly seems possible that the two sections of this 
country are really about to shoot each other like barbar- 
ians and maniacs, I can hardly work myself up to that be- 
lief. However, if it comes to a case of protecting the 
flag of the United States of America, you can just enter 
John Fitzhugh's name as appearing for the defence. 

{Drums outside again. Morgan to the window. F. and 
C. remain seated, still at their documents.) 

Morgan. Here comes that squad again. 

{F. to the ivindow.) 
Fitzhugh. If that is not my orderly sergeant, I'm no 
militia man. 

Morgan. They are coming this way, sir. 
Fitzhugh. {To Morgan.) It looks like it, certainly. 
{To Connery.) Mr. Connery, the American Eagle begins 
to scream ! 

Connery, { Without looJdng up.) Yes ; let him scream ! 

{Rap outside.) 
Fitzhugh. Come in. 
{Enter Thompson, orderly sergeant of infantry. {L.) He 
salutes., places a paper on the desk, and resumes a stiff, 
soldierly appearance.) 

JSergt. Captain Fitzhugh. 

{K takes the paper ^ runs his eyes over it, and starts. 
Cheers and drums outside.) 



THE BAYONET. d 

Fitzhugh. Sergeant, will 3-011 please oixlcr those blood- 
thirsty patriots outside to repress their military ardor for 
a few moments? Just say to them, sergeant, that the 
chances are, they are likely to have plenty of the best of 
exercise for their lungs and legs shortly, in another quar- 
ter. 

(Sergt, salutes, retires (i.)? '>^oise ceases.) 

(Reads.) " Report with 3'our command at 12." (Looks 
at his ivatch.) It is now half-past eleven. Regiment 
ordered away. Mr. Connery, didn't I tell you the national 
bird had commenced to flutter ! Gentlemen, I am a peace- 
able man, you know, both of you, and if j^our evidence 
could be relied on, I think I could prove that fact before 
an}^ tribunal in this State. And I am free to admit, that 
when I became a militia man, I had not the slightest idea 
that our people were ever going to shoot each other with 
the coarse shot of actual war. But my regiment is going, 
and I am going. For John Fitzhugh is not of that stuff 
which makes soldiers in p^ace and citizens in war. Mr. 
Connery, buy yourself a woolen shirt and a shot-gun. 
Snipe shot won't do for this kind of game. Mr. Morgan, 
ask the courts to continue my cases, or send them to Vir- 
ginia for trial. 1 propose to sacrifice my clients on the 
altar of Mars. This (the order) admits me to practice 
before the highest tribunal in the land. The firm of Fitz- 
hugh & Connery is dissolved. John Fitzhugh, Yankee, 
and Captain of the militia, appears for the American 
Union ! 

(Enter Sergeant Thortipson (L), salutes.) 

Segt. T. Any orders, sir? 

Fitzhugh, Assemble the company, Sergeant. I will be 
at the armory at once. Dismissed. 

(The Sergeant salutes and turns.) 
Sergeant. 

(Tlie Sergeant faces about.) 

Sergt. T, Sir? 

Fitzhugh. Have you u\?iny recruits ? 

Sergt. T. All we need, sir. Find more than we can 
accept. 



10 THE BAYONET. 

Fitzlingli, Have you a recruit bv the name of Harding? 

Sergt. T. Yes, sir ; a strong, likely man. 

Fitzhngh. Yes, Sergeant ; 1 always thought that man 
Harding would make a good soldier ; and as the State 
seems likely to claim his services, if the Nation don't se- 
cure them at once we will accept him. 
Dismissed. 

{The Sergeant salutes, retires L.) 

{Drums and shouting outside. Morgan looks from the 
window as the squad retires to the rear of the stage. Fitz- 
hugh hastib/ arranged his papers to be sent to his house. 
Cannery sits quietly all Ihe while ivithout raising his eyes 
from his document. Newspaper hoy outside.) 

Boy. (Outside.) 'Ere's the 'Erald, World and Tri- 
bune Extra ! News from the seat of war ! Two thousand 
men killed I 

(Morgan to the window.) 

Fitzhugh. What's that ? 

Morgan. A newsboy with some kind of war news. 

Fitzhugh. Call him in, Mr. Morgan. 

Morgan. (Head out of the icidow.) Here, boy, come 
in here. (Enter boy. L.) 

Boy. 'Ere's the 'Erald, World and Tribune Extra ! 
News from the seat of war ! Two thousand men killed ! 

Fitzhugh. Hold up there, you newspaper agent ! 
Aren't j^ou cutting that rather fat? 

Boy. (To F.) Paper, sir ? 

(Cannery looks up.) 

Connery. (To boy.) Yes; if you go on at that rate, 
you will do away with any necessity for another census. 
Boy, (To C.) Paper, sir? 

(All buy papers.) 

(Boy retires crying his papers.) 

Boy. 'Ere's the 'Erald, World and Tribune Extra! 
News from the seat of war ! Two thousand men killed ! 

(Exit. L). 



THE BAYONET. 11 

Fitzliugli. Bad news, this, Mr. Conner}'. Those 
Southern Comanches have commenced tlie war-dance. 
Won't 3'ou take a hand? Depends on the draw entirely. 
It may be a major-general's commission, and it may be a 
pine coffin-box. 

Cannery. Yes. Haven't a cigar with j'ou, have j^ou 
Captain ? 

Fitzlmgh. Yes, I have ; {proffevring it) but do you mean 
to come out of your shell and support the flag? {Can- 
nery lights the cigar.) 

Connelly. Yes. I think perhaps we had better give up 
practice. I don't precisely see the necessity for all this. 
James, {to office boy) James, bring my coat. {Puts it on.) 
Thank you. James, take that box of papers to my house. 
Captain, I think I will bu}' that shirt. Mr. Morgan, the 
eagle is threatened with a military law suit. Shall we 
appear for the bird ? 

Morgan. With all my heart, sir ; I go for the Union ! 

Connery. Yes ; for the Union ! Good morning. Captain, 
we will meet you at the armory. We are soldiers now, 
aren't we, Mr. Morgan ? And in for the glory of getting 
shot, and having our illustrious names misspelt in the 
public prints. At the armory. Captain ! 
{Exeunt. L.) 

Fitzhugh. Nor do I see the necessity for this bloodshed, 
and I shudder at the parting from my wife and child. A 
soldier has no business to be married, — but 1 was mar- 
ried before I became a militia man. Brace up. Captain ! 
Brace up, John Fitzhugh ! It is hard, I know. But the 
country calls for men, and who shall answer if we holiday 
soldiers decline ? No ! There is no halting here. For me, 
— for every loyal man — there is but one course to pursue, 
and it is pointed out in the doctrine of John A. Dix, and it 
is the highest law of the land : " If any man attempts to 
haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot ! " 
{Fitzhugh to the window to see the passing troops^ as they 

now file past the rear of the stage from right to left. But 

not so as to be seen fairly by the audience. Their color 

only are seen, a small flag, and the tips of their bayonets 

They have two drums. 

{Scene closes. Flats in front.) 



12 THE BAYONET. 

ACT FIRST. 

SCENE SECOND. 

(A Public Square in a city,) 

{Enter a squad of infantry troops from, the left^ pre- 
ceded by two drunns and a fife. They carry a small flag. 
Half way — across {towards the right) ; the Sergeant in 
command — Thompson.) 
Sergt. T. Squad, halt ! By the right flank, right face ! 

In place, rest ! 

{They J ace the audience^ Sergeant in front and right.) 

Well, raen, we are in for it. You have signed the rolls, 
and you are to all intents and purposes soldiers of the 
United States. But not legally so. until you have been 
mustered in by an officer representing the National Gov- 
ernment. So that if there is any man here who is sick 
of his bargain, he has only to say so, and we will strike 
his name from the rolls, and fill his place with some other 
man. This, men, is the only chance you will have to 
express your choice in this matter. Consider it well, 
men ! 

Harding. Look here, Sergeant ! We ain't none of us 
going to squeal, — we ain't, are we fellers? 

All. No! No! 

Sergt. T. All right, men. I am glad you are firm and 
true. 

Harding. You bet ! 

Sergt. T. Now, men, this is j^our last chance. Who 
goes back on his country? {Silence.) Sergt, grasps the 
colors; ivaves them.) Who stands by the flag? 

All. {Tumult uously.) We all do, — all of us. 

{Harding steps to the front and faces the squad.) 
Harding. Say, fellers I Three cheeri for the flag ! Now, 
wake 'em! {Cheers,) Three more for our Sergeant! 
Now, wake 'em again ! 

{Cheers, and he steps bach into the ranks.) 



THE BAYONET. 



Sergt. T. Thank you, men ; I will try to deal square- 
ly by you all, and we will all of us do our whole duty, 
I trust, like men. Aft.er you are dismissed you will have 
an opportunity to visit your families ; but }'ou will report 
at the armory, every man of you, in just three hours ; we 
are off to-night ; we are in at the start ; let us see this 
thing through. Attention Squad! {They straighten up.) 
Left face ! Break ranks ! March ! {All yell.) 

[Exeunt to R. and L.) 
(Singing.) 

^ur Sergeant he's a first-class brick, 
Hurrah! Hurrah ! 

Our Seri<eant he's a first-class brick, 
Hurrah I Hurrah! 
Our Sergeant he's a first-class brick, 

And we'll follow his lead at quick double quick! 
And we'll hop, skip, jump, boys, 

As we go marchitig on I 
And we'll hop, skip, jump, boys, 

As we go marching on I 

(Enter Harding. B.) 

Harding. (Meditating.) Aren't this a rum go on the 
fly cops? Didn't I see that bloody fly cop, Smithers, fix 
his peepers on me, when I hove my name on that paper 
of the Sergeant's, and slid into these here trowsers (looks 
at his trowsers)^ and walked off on my left ear? Oh, no ! 
I guess not ! Why, here is Bill Harding gets to be some 
shakes when they want the raw material to make up into 
patriot^, he does. Here was the State a putting in a 
claini, co-day for my services in the stone hammering busi- 
ness. And I goes to Uncle Samuel, and I says, — Look here 
/Guvnor, I'm good enough to be shot at — I am — and old 
Sam's man says, — Good boy, Bill ! And I'm a soger, — I 
am, I don't mind no fly cops now, — I don't. ( Voice on the 
left singing, 
"And we'll hop, skip, jump, boys, 
As we go marching on.") 

(Repeats.) 
If that isn't Mick}^ Scot, I'm a squealer — I am. (Enter 



Scot. L.) 

Scot. Hullo, Bill! 
Harding. Hullo, Scotty ! 
2 



14 THE BAYONET. 

Scot. Say, Bill ! I thought I saw you with them soger 
cops, just now? 

Harding. Why, in course you did, Scotty. I am on 
my dead reform, — I am. Tiiis was my trial day, you know, 
Scotty, and them bloody fly cops thought they were going 
to send me up because 1 wouldn't blow on Patsy Reardon, 

— they did. But I've jined, — I have. I'm going to be a 
fighter, with a gun — 1 am — and our Sergeant, Scotty. 
Why, Scotty, you ought to see our Sergeant ! He's a talker, 

— he is — one of them gentleman-fighters, Scotty. Won't I 
stay with that Sergeant? Rather! And he says to us 
fellers — You go home and sec your old woman, and meet 
me at the station house in three hours. Oh, I'll be there, 
iScotty, — the fly cops be blowed ! They be blowed ! 

Scot. You don't mean to say you are square on this, 
Bill ? Regular reform. Bill, — no put up job ? 

Harding. In course it is. I ain't got no brace on 'em. 
That Sergeant gets me, — he does. You see, Scotty, 1 hain't 
done much yet in the moral citizen line, and I'm going on 
my good behavior, — I am. Say, Scotty — won't you jine ? 
any quantity of new harness, Scotty. Look a-here, Scot- 
ty ! {Points to his trousers.) Acres of grub, Scotty ! And 
Scotty, you ought to see our Sergeant ! We will come 
home patriot fellers, — we will, Scotty — or we will come 
home stiffs — toes up, Scotty. But on that lay it don't 
make no difference which. Does it, Scotty ? Say, old pal, 
won't you jine? 

(Enter News Boy.) 

Boy. Here's the Erald, World and Tribune extra ! 
News from the seat of war ! Two thousand men killed ! 

Harding. See here, papers ; you just leave here, or I 
will set on you, — 1 will. 

{Boy shies off.) 

Boy. Paper, sir? News from the seat of war ! Two 
thousand men killed ! 

Scot. Say, Bill, — Them Southern chaps are worse nor 
the fly cops, — they are. Hear that. Bill ? Two thousand 
men nailed in one day ! 

{Boy discovers Harding's trowsers.) 



THE BAYONET. 15 

Boy. Wli3^, set me up in a pea nut stand, if Bill Harding 
hain't nipped a pair of soger trovvsers so quick ! 

Harding. See iiere, sonny ; I don't want no more chin, 
— I don't — do you hear? 

{Strikes, — Boy avoids.) 

Boy. Pnper, sir? News from the seat of war! Two 
thousand men l\illed ! 

Harding. Oh, blow your papers ; I've jined, — I have. 
This (trowsers) ain't no prig, — this ain't. 

Boy. Jined ! Soger, won't you buy a paper? 

Scot. Oh, come on, Bill ; I'm gnme for this, — lam. 
But you may have me clubbed if I don't think a blue coat 
will make me sick. Say, Bill ; can't we go in this kind 
of togs ? 

Harding. Come on, old pal ; blue make you sick ! 
Whj^, we are kind of military fly cops, — we are. Oh, blow 
the fly cops ! They be bio wed ! 

{Exeunt R.) 

{Boy stands watching them in astonishment.) 

Boy. Put me down for a sucker if this don't beat me ! 
Bill Hardinir and Micky Scott going for sogers! Why, 
they can't do nothing but carry the target behind the fel- 
lers what has the guns, — they can't — and they might 
get a smoked Fenian to do that I Oh, bags! {Moves to 
left.) 'Ere's the 'Erald, World and Tribune Extra ! News 
from the seat of war ! Two thousand men killed ! {Exit. 
L.) 

{Scene closes. Flats open.) 



16 THE BAYONET. 



ACT Fill ST. 

SCENE THIRD. 

(A Bail Bond JS tat ion.) 
(To be chamged to stiit locality.) 
{Grovps of peoyle, are standing and sitting about, oj both 
sexes, and occasionally a soldier is seen.) 

{Enter R,) 

Mrs. John Fitzhugh, wife of Captain Fitzhugh. 
Clara Connery, Lieut. Connery's sister. 
Mi^s. Morgan, Lieut. Moi^an's mother, and — 
Child, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzhugh. 

Child. Why, mamma ; I don't see the soldiers. Where 
is papa? 

3trs. F. The troops have not yet arrived, my child. 
Your father will be here presently, my dear. 

Mrs. M. [To Mrs. F.) This is sad, indeed; I hear 
that your husband has secured commissions for Mr. Con- 
nery and my son James, and they are to accompany hira 
as his officers. Although lean hardly realize that my dar- 
ling boy is so soon to become a soldier, and battle with those 
hot-blooded, impetuous Southerners. But I suppose it's 
their duty. 

Clara. Certainly, Mrs. IM organ. And not more be- 
loved by you is your only son, the prop and suppoit of 
your widowhood, than is my dear, old brotiier, Dick, by 
me. Oh, Dick ! How much I love thee ! But, madam, 
had I a thousand brothers, as much beloved even as is my 
manlj', old Dick, I would give tliem all to the defence 
of my country ! Aye, madam ! I would shouUler a musket 
and go mysi^elf. but for these cUimsy petticoats. 

31rs. F. Yes, Clara. I don't so much regret this on 
my own account, for I have long foreseen it ; and I have 
called to my support what little philosophy I could mus- 



THE BAYONET. 17 

ter to strengthen me in this hour of trial. But when I 
think of our child, Clara ! And, Clara, if anything should 
happen to him ! Think of it ! The newspapers are al- 
ready announcing fatal, — and 1 doubt not, to my fami- 
lies, the most heart-rending news — yet this is a man's 
duty, I suppose. And Captain Fitzhugh, though he is but 
a militia man, and is sometimes regarded as light and frivo- 
lous, is very determined, I assure you ; as he is also, I 
am proud ^o say, very patriotic. Only, I do wish I had 
more of your courage, Clara. But we will not dishearten 
them with our tears. Oh, no ! Let us send them awa})-, 
if possible, with light hearts, and bid them godspeed, and 
a safe return. 

Child. Oh, mamma ! Here is a soldier with a gun so 
heavy, that it makes him lean over. {Enter Timothy 
G* Callahan,, private., quite drunk; and Mrs. O'C. L.) 

Mrs. O'C. Good avening, ladies! Is it here the sogers 
are coming, at all, at all? {Private O'C. stands hy badly 
mixed.) 

Mrs. F. Yes, my good woman ! They start from this 
station. Have you any friends going into the service ? 

Mrs. O'C. Friends, did yon say? Bad luck to the 
likes of me, but I have, though ! Me ould man here, me- 
self and Tim O'Callahan, have been friends, as much as 
married folks can be, these twenty years. And a bould, 
broth of a man he is too, — a rale sober, industiious man, 
and never gets drunk more nor four times a week, — 
Mum ! But now he's gone and 'listed, mum. Bad luck 
to this sogering ! 

Mrs. F. i^To Tim.) Do you know the name of your 
ofBcer, sir? Perhaps we can assist you. 

Tim. {Taking of his cap and dropping his gun.) In- 
dade I do, mum. For he has a right to be an Irishman 
by the sounding of his name. Fitzhugh, mum, if you 
plaze, — Captain Fitzhugh, of the infantry. 

Mrs. F. Yes, sir! We are also waiting for Captain 
Fitzhugh's company. Perhaps you had better take a seat 
there. I think he will be here presently. 

Mrs. O'C. Thank you, mum ! You're a perfect lady, 
mum ! God bless you, mum ! Oh ! the likes of this ! 



18 THE BAYONET. 

Bad luck to yon, Tim O'Callaban, but Til bate ye over the 
bead wid a skillet wben yez come home, if yez don't 
.wbale the blazes out of tbim dirty blaguaids, who are 
taking you from your quiet, paceful home. 

3Irs. 3/. Oh, tbis wretched war! {To Ciena.) Do 
you see that poor man just on Ihe point of leaving his 
family, perhaps forever, and he is beastly drunk? It is 
not alono the risk of battle, I fear. But war is so de- 
moralizing, and my bo}^ is so young and impetuous. Then, 
there is the excitment of camp ; and the recklessness of 
soldiers is proverbial, and — 

Claia, {Inter TV pting.) M}^ dear madam, please don't 
conjure up any evil forebodings. Aren't you sending 
away your son, who is not much of a chicken after all, 
in the same company with my brother Dick ? And Dick, 
3^ou know, as Mr. Ward says, "don't ever slop over." They 
are brother officers. And there is Capt. Fitzhugh, to give 
them life and good cheer ; and the Captain knows something 
about war. Oh, how I wish I could see Dick in his uniform ! 
Think of it, my dear madam, what a trio ! The Captain, 
with his wit and good cheer, — your son, with his enthu- 
siasm — and cool, solid old Dick, pulling away at his pipe ! 
Soldiers always smoke pipes, you know, madam, — and 
bieasting, like our northern granite, the traitorous tide of 
secession. I hear him now, in the midst of the din and 
smoke of battle, with shot and shell flying about him, and 
death at every hand — firm and unflinching, " Steady there, 
men!'* and then he pulls away at his pipe again. Oh, how 
I wish I was a man ! 

{Music outside, softly, in the distance; cheers and shouts, 

Clara at the window.) 

Child. Oh, mamma ! I hear the soldiers ! 

Mrs. F. Yes, my dear, it is quite time for them to 
come. 

Child. Now I shall see my papa. He will have his 
sword, won't he, mamma? And he will bring the drums 
and the band. Isn't this jolly, mamma? 

Mrs. F. { With a sigh.) Yes, my child. {Aside.) 
My darling husband goes forth to battle for his country, 



THE BAYONET. 19 

the pride of his cbilrl, — his wife and his friends. I pray 
to heaven he may safely return. 

Clara. Yes, here Ihey are ! There is the Captain, Mrs. 
Fitzhuo^h, as bright and cheerful as a true man ought to 
be. Where is Dick? Oh, tliere is James, Mrs. Morgan ; 
where is Dick? Oh, I see him, now. He is p'odding 
along with a book in his hand. Is not that like Dick? 

{Music nearer. Enter neivshoy.) 

Boy. 'Ere's the 'Erald, World, and Tribune extra ! 
News from the seat of war ! Three thousand men killed ! 

{To Tim.) Paper, sir? Three thousand men killed ! 

Mrs. O'C. Get out of this, ye spalpeen, wid your 
three tousand killed ! Just you wait till Tim O'Callahan 
gets there ! Bad 'cest to the thratorus blaguards ! 

Boy. Paper, mum? 

Mrs. O'C. Och ! but I'll bate yez to pieces ! 

{Strikes at boy; he avoids. They move off to the rear. 
Band enters the station.) 

Child. Oh, mother! See my papa ! 
Mrs. M. My poor son ! 

{Troops file in.) 

Clara. Please don't show any grief, now, Mrs. Mor- 
gan, please don't ! It will make them sad and gloomy. 
Please don't ! 

{Troops cross from right to left of stage ^ and take position 
in line — hand playing — oncers in their proper places^ 
as the company reaches the proper position.) 
Capt. F. Company, halt ! Front face I Order arms ! 

In place, rest ! 

{Lieuts. C. & M. take positions in front witri their lady 
friends ^Cannery with Clara on right; Morgan with his 
raother on the left; Mrs. Fitzhugh near the Captain.) 

Capt. F, I don't propose to make a speech, men ; this 
is no time for speeches ; and besides, I don't propose to 
make a George Francis Train of myself. I dont think 
there is any of the Train blood in our family, which is not 



20 THE BAYONET. 

celebrated for its speaking parts ; and, as a rule, we appear 
best in protracted silence. 

Con7\ery, (Aside.) Yes! 

Capt. F. Nor have I much of a Napoleonic campaign 
to lay before you. I don't think there is much Napoleonic 
blood in our family, not even of the Teutonic tinge of the 
present Napoleon. But I do wish to say, that I claim to 
have the theory of this case in my head, which amounts 
to just about this : that some one down South, — and it 
don't make any particular difference who — has fired on 
the flag, and we are called on to defend. I think I can 
look above party questions, — up to the Stars and Stripes — 
and I hope you are all blessed with the same patriotic 
powers of observation. And I wish to say further, that I 
think there is going to be the tallest kind of a row, and I 
propose to be enumerated therein. And when you break 
ranks, if there is a man among you, wlio has discovered 
since he enrolled himself, that he has important and pri- 
vate business relations which will require his personal 
attention here at home, we will forgive the judicious back- 
slider, and fill his place with some other man. I think we 
can do that, can't we, Sergeant? 

JSergt. T, Yes, sir ; at once ! 

Capt, F. I thought so. Kemcmber, men ; backsliders 
will report to the 1st Sergeant in two minutes ; and those 
who remain firm in the faith will report in just ten min- 
utes, when we shall start for the bright and sunny South. 
Attention, company ! Shoulder arms ! By the rigl)t flank, 
right face ! Remember, men ; ten minutes with your 
families, and then for a few months. 

How long did you say it would take us to march to the 
Gulf of Mexico, Mr. Connery? 

Connery. Yes ; how long, I didn't say. But I think 
it were better to calculate the time by years. 

Capt. F. Oh, 3^es ! And then, for a few months, be the 
same more or less, with Uncle Sam. Break ranks, 
march ! 

(Soldiers scatter icith shouts and cheers.) 
Child. Oh, papa ! What a pretty sword ! 



THE BAYONET. 21 

Capt. F. {His sabre is imslung^ and in his hand.) 
Yes, my child. Tliat is a very nice sword. Heretofore, 
I have regarded that wenpon as mostly ornamental ; but 
it seems now about to become useful ; at least, that is the 
theory of this business. Here, Ordeily ! (Orderlif comes 
forward.) Orderly, stow away this toad-sticker in some 
safe place, I don't think I shall need it to-day. {Orderly 
takes the sabre.) Mr. Connery, this young man will re- 
lieve 3'ou of your Damascus, if it troubles you. 

Connery. Yes. Thank you, Captain. But I think I 
will keep it by me. It gives me confidence in myself. 

{Exit Orderly. R. Capt. Fitzhugh, loife and cJidd retire 
to the left and rear. Connery and Clara move to the 
front.) 

Clara. Oh, Dick ! I am so proud of you ! Why, 
you look as if you were born a soldier. 

Conyiery Yes. But I feel, Clara, as if I had been 
born a civilian of the most peaceful inclinations. I don't 
quite like this costume. {Pulls at his clothes.) 

Clara. And that book you were reading as you 
came along. How discreet in you, Dick, to think of pro- 
viding yourself with something to beguile your time. 

Connery. Yes, Clara. This is a very cheerful and 
beguilinoj book. {Produces it.) This is Hardee on In- 
fantry Tactics. Sweet rhymes of the soldier's nursery. 
Do you know, Clara, I had to consult this book to ascer- 
tain where I belong, in this patriotic arrangement of men? 

Clara. {She laughs.) But you will know where to 
be in a fight, Dick ! 

Connery. Yes ; I think I shall know where I should 
like io be, — I think now — I should prefer to be in the 
major general's position, which is here described, as be- 
ing at a comparatively safe (distance in the rear. 

Clara. {She laughs.) Oh, Dick! You are always 
bantering, and always deceiving yourself. But I know 
where you will be, and what you will do. You will be 
where the fight is hottest, and jilory is to be won. 

Connery. Yes, glory ! Thank you. {Bugle blows the 
assembly; Mrs. Morgan and James Jorward.) 



22 THE BAYONET. 

Morgan. Dear mother, soon we are off; I have ar- 
ranged our business matters, I think, to your entire satis- 
faction and convenience. And, mother, I hope you will 
not yield to your gloomy forebodings. 

Mrs. M. My darling boy ! My only child, — God pro- 
tect thee ! 
(They move back — Tim and Mrs. 0* Callahan forward.) 

Mrs. O'C. Here, Tim ! {T. staggers wp, but is ratlur 
steadier than before.) Don't yez hear the boogie? 

Tim. That I do, Mrs. 6'Callahan ; I've heard that 
swate voice before, too, — bad cest to the thraitors ! 
{Captain Fitzlmgh now comes forward; Mrs. Fitzhvgh 

and Mrs. Morgan together in the rear; Tim and Mrs. 

0* Callahan in front.) 

Mrs. O'C. {To Capt.) Captnin Fitzhugh, if^'ou plaze, 
sir! This is me old man, Tim O'Callahan, who goes wid 
yez to the wars, and he'll stay oy yez. Captain, — that he 
will. But, plaze sir, sind me every cint of his pay. He's 
a sober, stout, broth of a man, sir, and kind to his family ; 
but he has no skill in money matters, at all, at all. Here, 
Tim ! Give a twist of yer arrum, and off wid yez, and 
give the thraitors the load of yez gun, the murtliering 
whilps ! ( He throws his arm about her neck and kisses her.) 
Good bye, Tim ! 

Tim. Good-bye, Mrs. O'Callahan. 

Mrs. O^C. Och, bad hick to this war! Whale the 
blazes out of thim, Tim, whale the blazes out of thim ! 

{She moves to the rear.) 
Tim. That I will, Mrs. O'Callahan, as sure as I'm from 
County Cavin. 

{He mov< s to the company. Bugle blows again.) 
Capt. F. Sergeant Thompson ! 
Sergt. T. Here, sir. 

Capt. F. Form the company outside, there, and have 
them get aboard, when the train will move in here, and we 
will get on. 

{Exit.) 
{Sergt T. outside; at the right and rear.) 
JSergt. 2\ Company, fall in ! 



THE BAYONET. 23 

{Tliey form outside, on the right.) 

Morgan, (To his mother,) Mother, farewell ! 
Mrs. 31. Heaven save and protect thee, mj- son ! 

{They embrace.) 

Connery. Kiss me, Clara ! I believe in thee, and in 
my country. 

Clara. Dear, good Dick ! 

{She bursts into tears which she tries to conceal. They re- 
main together. Eider /Sergeaiu Thompson, JR.) 

Sergt. T. (To Capt.) The company is formed, sir. 
Are you ready, sir? 
Capt. F. All present ? 
Sergt. T. Yes, sir. 
Ca20t F. Ready, Sergeant. Get them aboard. 

(Exit, Sergt. JR.) 

{ Whistle blotvs ) 

Sergt. T. Break ranks, march ! All aboard ! 

( Whistle again.) 

Capt. F. My wife, — ray child — farewell ! I shall re- 
turn in safety ; I feel certain of it. 

{Train moves out from the right toivaids the left, and shows 
in front soldiers at the ivindoivs, crowding, yelling, cheer- 
ing, &C-, and halts.) 

Mrs, F. I am jBrm — God bless you ! 

Child. Good-bye, pnpa ! Come home to morrow ! 
{All shake hands — Mrs. F., Mrs. M., Clara and Child 

together. — Whistle blows. — Bell rings. — Capt. Fitzhugh, 

Lieuts. Connery and Morgan, move towards the train.) 

Capt. F. All aboard. Sergeant? 

Sergt. T, All aboard, Captain. 

Capt. F. Steady there, men ! ( Sdence.) Three 
cheers for the flag ! 

{They cheer.) 

Sergt. T. Three cheers for our otflcers ! 

{They cheer,— Whistle blows.— Bell rings. -^Train moves 
siowly.) 



24: THE BAYONET. 

Harding. Three cheers for our Sergeant and ourselves ! 
Now wake 'em ! 

{They cheer.) 

Capt. F. (To his officers.) Come, gentlemen. 

(Band, — or driim-corj^s, as it may be though' advisable^ but 
band would be better — noiv plays. Ladies, — Mrs. 
O'Cal'ahan, Newsboy on his head, spectators, &c., are in 
tableau.) 

(Curtain down.) 



ACT SECOND. 

SCENE FIRST. 
CAMP IN THE FIELD. 



(On the right and rear there is an officer^ s wall tent. On 
the left and back still farther Sibly tents (cii cidar) , for 
the men, — about half-way bettveen the tivo a field 
piece, artillery, sentry on duty near the piece, ivith sabre. 
Infantry sentry paces in front of all. 1 he men are 
moving and lying about, or cooking, bringing ivood or 
water, or burnishing their pieces, or their field piece. 
The costumes of the men are varied; some luear coats, 
others do not. Bat there is not a loliite shirt on the 
stage, — all woollen of any color. Capt. Fitzhugh and 
Lieut. Cannery are asleep on the strata in their tents. 
Time — six A. M. Sergt. Thompson leaves his quar- 
ters, moves to the officer's quarters — enters and shakes 
Lieut. Cannery.) 

Connery. Yes. What's up ! 
Sergt. T. Drill in five minutes, sir. 
Connery. Yes. Thank you. 
(Sergeant back to near his quarters; mingles luith the men; 
Connery arises, lights a pipe — boots and coat on, — 
moves to Vie entrance of his quarters. Looks out.) 



THE BAYONET. 25 

Connery. Yes. Rather more cheerful than our last 
camp. Three weeks in this country, and I believe we 
have seen pretty much all there is of this thing, except- 
ing the shooting, which I am free to admit, I have no es- 
pecial desire to see. But it is deuced mean business, though. 
The romance is gone, and the reality of marching, camp- 
ing, picket and guard dut}', and false alarms is a bore. 
{Reacli*'S hack for a canteen ayid attem.pU to drink, but it is 
empty.) Yes; the Captain's boy, William, has paid his 
respects to my canteen again. These colored people are 
too much given to the larceny of whiskey. (Drums beat 
and bugle bloivs the dril-call together.) Sergeant Thomp- 
son? {Sergeant approaches.) 

Sergt. T. (Salutes.) Here, sir ! 

Connery. Form the company for drill. Sergeant, if you 
please. 

Sergio T. Yes, sir. 

(Salutes, moves to Ms quarters.) 

mk (Connery into his quarters.) 

Sergt, T. Company, fall in for drill ! 
Sergt. B. Squad, fall in for drill. 

(Subordinate Sergeants about the camp repeat.) 

Sergts. Fall in for drill ! 
Sergts. Fall in for drill ! 

(The Sergeant T. forms the company in the rear.) 

Sergt. T, Attention, company ! Right dress ! Front ! 
Shoulder arms ! By the right flank, right face ! 

(Connery moves to the company, zvhich remains under the 
command of the Sergt. T.) 

Forward, march ! 

(They move off to the left and rear — the Artillery Sergeant 
fonw^ on the piece.) 

Sergt. B. Attention, squad! Right dress! Front! 
Right face ! To your posts, march ! 
'3 



26 THE BAYONET. 

(The Sergeant of Artillery drills his men in the loading and 
firing of the piece as quietly as possible and slowly. 
Sergeant Thompson continues to exercise and drill the 
company^ moving it from left to rights in the rear ani> 
BACK. Cannery follows ahout^ malting a suggestion noio 
and then ^ such as, — '•^Steady there! Keep your time! 
One, two; one, two. Draw in your chin, Scot!" — Sing- 
ing is heard ivithout. — William, the Captain's servant. 
This must not be a co7icert or minstrel nigger, bidaplayita- 
tion darkey, of a semi-religious comic turn of mind. He 
must ivear military trousers, and he can wear a civilian's 
coat or a cavalry jacket, or any other kind of a uniform. 
But he must be clean, and not ragged.) 
William, {outside.) 

"De day ob Jubilee am coming, 
White folks, bress de Lord I 
De day ob Jubilee am coming, 
Brack folks, bress deLord ! " 

(Enters. Sneaks into the captain's quarters, singing softly, 
repjeating.) ^ 

" Brack folks, bress de Lord I Brack folks, bress de Lord ! " ^P 

{Harding ivatches William.) 

Harding. (Aside.) If that moak goes through the 
Captain's canteen, this morning, we shall have a sick nig- 
ger in camp, — we shall, 

( William steals a long pull from the Captain's canteen, re- 
peati7ig,^' Brack folks, etc." Takes the Captain's boots, 
and seats himself outside the tent, left and in front, and 
commences to brush them. Sings as he brushes.) 
William. 

Oh, ain't I glad I'se out ob de wilderness, — 

Out ob de wilderness; 

Oh, ain't I glad I'se out ob de wilderness 1 

Go away, dar. (Brushes a fiy.) Brack folks, bress de 
Lord. 

(Harding ivatches. Left rear) 

De day ob — (Yawns.) De day ob jiibi — le — am 
( Yawns.) — de day ob ju — bi — lee — am com — (Asleep 
over his boots.) 

Harding. Here, moak ; wake up there ! 

( William starts.) 



THE BAYONET. 27 

William. Sail? 

Hen ding. Wake up, I say. Do ye hear? 
William. Oh 3'es, sah ! I'se awake, sah ! Only fool- 
ing, sah ! 

{Harding off.) 

William. {Singing and hi ushing.) Dedayobju — bi — 
lee. 

{Asleep again. Harding 7iear.) 

Harding. Blow me, if that dose was enough for the 
moak. 

( William twists and writhes in agony.) 

What? Oh, yes ; he's a sick nigger, — he is. 

{Retires to the rear and left.) 

William. Golly ! Gol}^ ! massa Captain ! What's de 
matter wid dis yere nigger? {Gives a 7iigger yell.) As 
true as Moses! Yere is a dead nisjger ! {YeHs.) What 
am de matter wid dis yere child? Dat whiskey's alive ! 
{Harding^ nearer.) I'm a dead nigger for sartain ! I'se 
dead, shuah? {On the ground. Capt. F. awakes — upon 
his bed.) 

Capt. F. See here ! You ebony prince of the House of 
Congo — what's the row here? {Looks for his boots.) 
William, where's my boots? {Aside.) What is the mat- 
ter with that boy ? {To the entrance of his quarters —^ 
discovers William rolling on th" ground.) I believe the 
boy is sick, or is he fooling again? No! That is gen- 
uine distress. Here ! Some one, — Orderly ! Orderly 1 
{Harding appears.) 

Harding. Yes, sir ! Here, sir ! 

Copt. F. Orderly, go for the doctor! {Harding 
stands still.) William must be sick — He don't seem to 
be fooling — Come, Orderly ! I don't want a funeral in 
this camp, just now ! 

William. I'se adea I nigger ! I'se a dead nigger ! 

Capt. F. Do you hear that, Orderly? Come! Why 
don't you start? 

{Harding hands the Captain his boots — He puts them on.) 



28 THE BAYONET. 

Hanlmg. {Aside.) It is all right, Captain ! All right, 
sir ! This is my lay, — this is ! 

( William groans.) 

Copt. F. Oh! This is your lay is it? Well, you 
seem to have laid him out pretty effectually ; supposing 
you put him on his pegs again. What did jou do to him 
Harding ? You did'nt offer any violence to that poor bone 
of national contention, did you, Harding? 

{Last sharply.) 

William. I'se a dead nigger dis time, shuah ! 

llanlivg. Oh no, Captain, you don't think that ; you 
don't believe I would abuse a poor nigger, oh no ; my game 
is bigger nor niggers ; I go for white game — I do ; I only 
dosed your canteen, cos I heard you say some one was 
prigging your commissar}', and I wanted you to know it 
wasn't me. That's all. Ask him to histe, Captain, ask 
him to histe. 

( Willi' im groans ) 

Capt. F. So, so ! {Aside.) Oh you wretched Ethio- 
pian ! {To H.) Bring the canteen. {Raiding gets it.) 
Here William, take a drop of this whiskey. I think you 
must have a touch of the colic. This climate don't seem 
to agree with you. 

( William groans.) 

William. Oh, massa captain ! I nebber will touch dat 
canteen agen, nebber, nebber ! 

Capt. F. Oh, ho! Your usual morning cocktail don't 
seem to agree with you. {William groans.) Well, it's 
all right, only, in the future, you had better let me mix 
your drinks for you. Orderly, help up the boy and take 
him to his quarters, and let him sleep this off. And, 
Harding, no more of this ; I prefer to doctor my own fam- 
ily. And Harding, supposing I had happened to take an 
eye-opener before William came in ! No more of this, 
I sry ! 

llardiTig. I beg your parding. Captain, I didn't mean 
no harm, — I didn't. 

{Harding helps William up.) 



THE BAYONET. 29 

Capt. F. It 's all right, Harding. (To William,) Feel 
kind of sea-sick, don't you, William? That whiskey is 
very strong. It was made for white soldiers, and it is 
entirely unsuited to the tender African stomach. 

(They, Wm. and Harding^ move off to the rear and left.) 

William. I believe ye, I believe ye, massa Captain ! 

{Copt F. moves into his quarters., lights a pipe. While 

this has been going on, the artillery squad has been drill' 

ing.) 

Sergt. B. Sqnad to the front ! March ! Halt ! Front 
face ! By the right flank ! Right face ! Break ranks, 
march ! 
{They disperse. Sergt. T. now marches the company back 

to the place where it for mid.) 

Sergt. T, Company, halt ! By the right flank, right 
face ! Break ranks, march ! 

{It disperses. Cannery moves to his quarters.) 

Connery, Good morning. Captain. 

Capl. F. Good morning, Mr. Connery. Has Mr. Mor- 
gan returned from the picket yet? 

Connery. I think not, sir ; hardly time yet. 

Capt. F. That was a fearful march we had, getting 
here yest( rday, Mr. Connery. 

{They lounge about on the straw.) 

Connery. Yes, ratlier. 
• Capt. F. . It all comes of these paper major-generals. 
Here is a man who was a tolerably successful criminal 
lawyer before he became a major-general, who reads in a 
book written by some other paper-fighter, that a man takes 
so many inches at a step, arid that a healthy man can 
take so many steps in a day. Then he multiplies the 
number of inches the man usually takes by the number 
of steps he ought to take, and he figures up, — that raw 
troops from the North can march thirty-one miles in a 
day, in a burning. Southern sun. And he makes us do it, 
too. The theory may be good enough in peace times, on 

3* 



30 THE BAYONET. 

a drill ground ; but the practice is rather uncomfortable 
in tliis locality, — eh, Mr. Conner^? 

{Both smoke.) 

Connery. Yes ; it's all of that. 

Coi't. F. Mr. Connery, How's your feet? Mine feel 
like boiled hams. 

Connery. Yes ; I think mine are slightly parboiled. 

{Capt. F. moves to the entrance to his quarters.) 

Copt. F. Have ycu been out round here, much, Mr. 
Conner}? What kind of a neighborhood is this? Are 
the natives hospitable? Crops well started, — plenty of 
fence rails? Don't it strike you as rather remarkable, 
that the rude Korthern soldier should prefer dry fence rails 
and window-shutters and house-blinds, to cutting good 
green oak? These children of the North are rather fastidi- 
ous about their fuel. 1 overheard Harding telling that 
man, Scot, that he calculated he had burnt four hundred 
and fifty-nine dollais' worth of fence rails, at ten cents 
apiece, since we came into this country. 

Conyiery. Yes ; the Southern mind was '•" fired up " 
on patriotism, and our fellows seem to be " firing up " on 
fence rails, — which tends to keep both sides w^arm. 

Capjt. F. Oh, yes — I see. But it is one of the results 
of war, which is commonly destructive of fences and poul- 
try. I see the General has favored us with strict orders 
against foraging. 1 hope you are doing all you can to 
assist me in impressing on the men the great importance 
of that order. The rights of property in this locality must 
be preserved. 

Connery. Yes ; I don't think the men disturb any 
property unless they want it. 

Capt. F. That is correct, Mr. Connery, — that is 
soidierl}^, sir. 

Connery. Yes ; soldierly. But I don't know precisely 
what we have in the mess ; chickens, perhaps ; I saw 
Harding with half a dozen. 

Capt. F. That man Harding is a very able commissary, 
Mr. Connery ; but he comes honestly by those unfrequent 
trifles which go to make up our daily bread — don't he? 

tonnery. Yes ; I don't doubt it. 



THE BAYONET. 31 

Capt. F. I hope so ; there can be no doubt about it, 
and 1 couldn't think for a moment of living on food 
illegally, or clandestinely obtained from our Southern 
brothers, oh no! It would not set well on my Federal 
stomach. 

{Captain Fitzlmgh steps outside.) 

Mr. Connery, as this is our first morning here, I think I 
will look about a bit. This seems to be a fine country 
for agricultuie. It occurs to me, those green slopes must 
support the gentle sheep and calf, so beloved In' our rude 
barbarians and mud-sills. Orderly! {Hauling appears.) 
Harding, you were on orderly duty, 3^esterday? 

Harding. Yes, sir ; my time is up at eight o'clock. 

Cap)t. F. Well, do you know Harding, I think this 
countiy ought to be explored. Harding, look about over 
these green hills, you might find a sheep mine. And, 
Harding, if there is any kind of food in this wicked, 
rebellious country I prefer, it is lamb. I could put up 
with mutton, but I prefer lamb. You are excused from 
dut}^ to-day, Harding ; I will be here at breakfast, Mr. 
Connery. 

{Font L.) 

Harding. Thank you. Captain. 

Coymery. Yes ; the Captain is a faithful soldier, and a 
cheerful companion. But he is getting rather demoralized 
in his notions about food. But, then, you can't conduct a 
war as you would run a sabbath school ! I think a nap 
until breakfast will do me no harm. 

{He reflines; scene closes; flats in front.) 



32 THE BAYONET. 



ACT SECOND. 

SCENE SECOND. 

{A Southern grove {cultivated), near a gentleman's residence. 
— Not tropical — oa/t, maple, cedar and hemlock trees 
interspersed, tvilh here ana there a chister of laurels. — 
There is a rustic open seat in the middle of the stage.) 
i^Enter.) 

Bessie Moore, daughter of the Hon. Arthur Moore. 
Eleanor King, her friend and companion. 

{They move to the seat.) 

Bessie. It is now three months, Eleanor, since your 
brother Clarence, my Clarence, — the only beloved of 
Bessie Moore — left us to enter the service of his coun- 
try — the glorious, patriotic, and yet destined to be, the 
free and independent South ! Three months, Eleanor, and 
it seems as if it were an age. But the letter ! {Loohing 
about.) Where is the letter? Read it ; please read it? 

Eleanor. {Looking about and feeling for the letter.) I 
hope it is not wicked, this clandestine correspondence. 
What would your father say, if he should happen to hear 
of it? Poor Bessie ! And I am so happy, — indeed I am, 
to be able to assist you in this matter. {Produces the 
wrong letter.) Oh, that is from my lover ! 

Bessie. I don't wish that one. 

Eleanor. No, of course not ! But, Bessie, how could 
j^ou hear from him at all, but for me? 

Bessie. Wicked ! No Eleanor, it is not wicked to love 
a man like Clarence, though he is poor. {Eleanor starts.) 
Please excuse me, Eleanor ; you know I meant no offence. 

Eleanor. Oh, I don't take any offence fron 3'ou, Bessie 
Moore, on that account. For, in loving my brother, to 
whom your father only objects because he is poor, you have 
proved yourself nobler, in that respect, at least, than is 
your father. 



THE BAYONET. 33 

Bessie. Eleanor, remember ! He is mj'- father ! But 
let ns drop this subject. This clandestine correspondence 
troubles me a little, though. Wicked ! It may not 
be quite right to be engaged to Chirence without my 
father's consent or knowledge, but there is no sin in letter- 
writing. And besides, I love him ; and love, they say, cuts 
curious capers. And, is it not necessary, sometimes, to 
sin a little to love very much? 

Eleanor. I don't know, Bessie. 

Bessie. But the letter ; read the letter, please. 

Eleanor. Why, no. It is not for me to read. {Feels 
for it.) Where did I put that letter? Have I dropped it? 
You see, Bessie, I was terribly frustrated when your father 
entered the room jnst as I opened my letter, and found 
yours enclosed. Oh! Here it is! {Hands it to B.) 
And while you are reading it, Bessie, I will look about a 
step ; foi-, next to being alone with one's lover is being 
alone with a letter from one's lover. {Eleanor moves off. 
— L.) {Aside.) Clarence, my dear brother, I wonder if 
you will ever marry Bessie Moore? {Exit. L.) 

Bessie. {Reads.) " We have been here in camp two 
months." Dear, noble Clarence ! His country first and 
always. And they are coming North. (Looks up.) Yes, 
and then : Woe to ye, ye burning, pillaging ruffians, who 
are despoiling our dear (/Id State. 
{A bugle is heard in the distance faintly. Ee-enter Eleanor.) 

Eleanor. Bessie ! Bessie ! There are troops near here. 
Did you not hear the trum[)et? 

Bessie {vjithout looking up). Yes, Eleanor ; I know it. 
To our shame and sorrow, I know it 

Eleanor. Then why did you not tell me? 

Bessie. {Still reading.) I did not think it worth the while 
to waste my breath on those horrid P^ederal hirelings, who 
come down here to shoot and rob our Southern people. 
And, besides, they only came so near last night, papa 
says, — but please don't! interrupt me, P^leanor. 

^Elennor. No; I don't wish to interrupt you, Bessie. 
{Aside.) It takes her so long to read that letter. But, 
Bessie, I did not know they were here. AVhere are they 
encamped ? 



St THE BAYONET. 

Bessie. It is only a company. I heard papa say they 
only came here to establish an outpost, or something of 
the sort. The company is near the railroad yonder. The 
main body of troops is four or five miles away. But don't 
Eleanor, please don't. {She reads.) ''And yoii continue 
firm and true, — I know you do, my love." Indeed, 
Clarence ; indeed, do I. 

{Eleanor is impatient. — Bugle blows again ) 

Eleanor. There it is again, Bessie. Do you hear it? 

Bessie. Yes, Eleanor, I hear it ! And I wish the in- 
strument and the creature who blows it, were ten thousand 
miles away. {Bessie takes out a locket, looks at it.) 
True to thee, Clarence. {Proudly.) I am a Moore ! 
{Resumes letter.) 

Eleanor. Why ! Bessie, have you not finished that let- 
ter yet? {Aside.) But this is her first, and Bessie is 
very aff^iectionate. {Bessie folds and puts away the letter.) 

Bessie. Yes, P31eanor, I have finished it ; and I thank 
you for your kindness in suggesting to Clarence to send 
it to you, as otherwise I could not well hear from him ; 
and I am rejoiced and happy to know that he is true to 
his co'jntry, nnd to me. 

Eleanor. But I don't quite like the idea of his becom- 
ing a soldier, Bessie. Soldiers are awful creatures, aren't 
they ? I remember to have heard some one say, that a 
man drops all the finer instincts of his nature when he 
takes up the sword. 

Bessie. Oh, no ! Eleanor. A gentleman is true to him- 
self in camp, or in the drawing-room. Think of your 
brother ; could he be anything but a gentlemen, in peace 
or in war? 

Eleanor. Clarence ? I know ; but he is unlike most men. 
Bessie, I wonder what these F'ederals are like? 

Bessip. I didn't know, and I don't wish to know. I 
hear the North is sending the scutn and filth of all its large 
cities into our beautiful SouLhern country ; be that as it 
may. I don't wish to set my eyes on one of them. 

Eleanor. But, Bessie, I do. I wish to know what kind 
of people my brother will have to fi^ht. I hear they are 
mostly foreigners. If this company is near the railroad, 



THE BAYONET. 35 

we can see it from the brew of the hill there. Bessie, 
let's go and see them. 

{Takes her hand.) 

Bessie. No, no. 

Eleanor. Please do? I don't think they are badly dis- 
posed towards us ; you know the general sent us over a 
guard for the house, several days since. Come ; they 
will do us no harm. 

Bessie. Harm ! Harm us ! I fear no harm from them. 
I should like to see one of the ruffians come near enough, 
Bessie Moore, to offer any harm ! The miserable wretches ! 

Eleanor. Oh, never mind that ! You know I hate them 
as much as any one ; but I wish to see them. Come, 
Bessie, it is only a step. Please come. 

{Exeunt, L. Enter tivo soldiers. They peer about.) 

1st Sol. Say, Jack, have we lost them? They came 
this way — two of 'em. The stunninest gals I ever seen. 
Jack! {Looks about.) I wonder which way they went? 

'2d Sol. Yes, Jim, — I know. But this is in that 
Fitz — something's limits, — this is — - and he was a looten- 
ant that's down on this thing, — he was. They are a hard 
pair for what they calls discipline, — they are. Suppose 
they should see us, Jim ! Oh ! let *s drop this ! " 

1st Sol. They! Wh}^ what have they to do with us? 
We aint under their command, — we aint. This is a free 
country, — this is. Aint we got as much right here as 
them high-backed officers ? I guess we have ! 

2d Sol. Oh ! I *m game for a lark ! But, suppose the 
girls should be real ladies, Jim ? They will make it warm 
for us. I couldn't face a real lady, no how, — I couldn't. 

\ St Sol. You are squealing, are you? Oh, come on ! 

{Exeunt. L.) 

(Screams without.) 

Bessie, Help ! help ! Father ! James ! 

{All rush on. L.) 

Eleanor. Help I help ! What in Heaven's name do 
you mean, men? Help! help! 



36 THE BAYONET. 

1st Sol. Now, see here, old gal, I don't want- no noise 
— I don't. 

2cl. Sol. Say, Jim ; let's drop this game. 

(Bessie stands firm.) 

Bessie. What do you mean, you miserable wretches? 
Do you know you are on a gentleman's grounds who 
would shoot you, as he would any other kind of vermin, 
were he here ? Do you come South to offer violence to 
ladies? You are model Federal soldiers! Begone, you 
dogs! 

(Eleanor avouches near Bessie.) 

Eleanor. Bessie, don't excite them. Please don't, 
Bessie. 

1st Sol. Shoot me, eh ? Me a dog ? The devil he will ! 

(The soldiers rush at the ladies — 1st soldier at Bessie^ 2d 
soklier at Eleanor. Stage business. Enter Capt. Fitz- 
hughfroni the rear and right.) 

Capt. F. I thought I heard a woman scream. (Dis- 
covers the soldiers and ladies struggling. Draivs Itis .sabre 
quickly^ by extending his arm atfidl length. To soldiers.) 
Here, you ruffians ; take your hands off those ladies ! 
(Soldiers do not see and do not heed him.) Don't under- 
stand my English? I wonder how this will affect you. 
(Knocks down 1st soldier tvith the fiat of his sabre. 2d 
soldier^ turning., discovers his comrade down., and the Cap- 
tain evidently meaning business. He releases Eleanor.^ who 
darts of. E.) 

2d Sol. Say! You Captain ! Did you strike my pal? 
(Captain Fitzhugh makes at him.) 

Capt. F, Yqs ; you whe'.p ! And if you don't lie flat 
on your face until my guard comes, I will slice 3'ou into 
sandwich meat. Turn out the guard ! Turn out the 
guard ! 

2d Sol. Oh, you will, will you! (Draws and pre- 
sents a, pistol.) See here, m}^ fine duck ! I ain't none of 
your gang, and I ain't on duty ; and if you move oat of 
your tracks, until me and my pal gets away from here, 
I will let daylight into you, — 1 will ! 



THE BAYONET. 37 

{Enter Harding — Rear and left. — He hears the soldier's 
last speech, — Discovers pistol^ and knocks the soldier 
down, — striking from behind.) 

Harding. Shoot my Captain, will yer ! Oh, no ! I 
guess not ! {Jumps on him. — The first soldier begins to re- 
vive. — Harding jumj)s on him.) And you, too ! You are 
in this gang, are you? 

{Second soldier begins to arise, ivhen William rushes on 
him from the right, and butts him down.) 

Willia^n. What was yer doing to de Captain ? (Butts.) 
Capt. F. (Bessie shoivs faintness.) Harding, the lady 
faints ! Water — quick — water ! 

{Bessie faints in Capt. Fitzhugh's arms. — Harding rushes 
off to the left for water. — William points pistol at soldiers. 
Tableau. — If there is a second tableau, Eleanor can 
come on, with help.) 

{Curtain down.) 



38 THE BAYONET. 



ACT THIRD. 

SCENE FIRST. 

{Residence of a wealthy Southerner, But it is not a planter's 
residence^ for it indicatps more cidtivation and refinement 
than is usually seen about a planter's home. Residence 
on the RIGHT, — on the left there is a sort of rustic seat 
under a vine and trellis-ivoi-k^ tvhich two persons could use 
for private conversation, without being overheard by the 
servants about the house. Hon. Aithur Moore., the pro- 
prietor^ is seated on the portico., ichich is extensive. It is 
in early June., and the shrubbery is in full foliage and 
luxuriant. Time., three iveeks after last Act, between 10 
and 11 A.M. As the curtain rises, two ladies, Bessie 
Moore and Eleanor King, in morning costumes, step out 
of the house on to the portico.) 

Mr. Moore. Well, ladies ; are you going out for a 
walk? Fine morning this, ladips. 

Bessie. Yes, papa ; we have had no exercise these several 
days ! 

Eleanor. Yes, Mr. Moore ; Bessie has suddenly dis- 
covered the necessity for exercise, — and she seems to 
prefer it in the company of the Captain, — although she 
concludes to take me this morning. 

{Eleanor laughs.) 

Bessie. Eleanor! Why will you talk so? Is not the 
Captain a Northerner, and — and — 

Eleanor. And what, Bessie? 

Bessie. Oh ! Fie on you, Eleanor ! {Aside to Eleanor.) 
A married man, you dunce ! {Aiid to Mr. Moore.) A 
polite, gentlemanly officer, if he is a Northerner. Is he 
not, papa? And ought we not to be grateful to him, 
ail of us? 



THE BAYONET. 6d 

Mr. M. Indeed, he is 1 The Captain has been a heap of 
benefit to me, ladies. {Aside.) But 1 will turn our 
acquaintance to good account And, ladie.«, I hope you 
will show him all the attention your position and sex will 
permit. 

Eleanor. Oh, yes, sir ! ATe will I Indeed, we will ! 
Won't we, Bessie? 

Bessie. Eleanor, I am ashamed of you ! Good morn- 
ing, papa. 

Eleanor. Good morning, sir. 

Mr. M. Good morning, ladies. {Exeunt, L, Mr. 
Moore leaves the portico for the rustic seat.) Why not? 
He is a married man to be sure ; I have ascertained that 
fact, through my lawyers. But he is not wealthy ; only 
a lawyer and a captain. I can give him wealth and rank ; 
such, indeed, as he probably never dreamt of. He can't 
possibly think of getting much promotion where he now 
is ; our people will make quick work of these fellows, as 
fast as they can be sent here. I think he agrees with me 
on that subject; and I am resolved to test liim. {Looks 
at his watch.) It's now half past ten. I asked him to be 
here at eleven. {Takes a parchment commission from his 
pocket.) And I have secured him this commission. 
(Reads.) " John Fitzhugh of the Confederate States of 
America." {Chuckles.) Yes I He will be of the Con- 
federate States, when he accepts! ** Brigadier General " ! 
{Heads another pciper.) "General Fitzhugh will report 
for staff duty at the Adjutant's office, at Richmond. " 
Indeed ! That would secure a less ambitious man than is 
the Captain, if I mistake not. If I can only manage to 
keep him from disclosing this to that Lieut. Connery, — I 
don't like that fellow. 1 can make nothing, whatever, of 
that cool, calculating lawyer, — who is as thoroughly dis- 
ciplined as a taro bank dealer, with his mild, eternal " ?/es," 
and even temper. He is the first man I ever saw imper- 
vious to wine and flattery. 

{Enter Col Roland.) 

Col. Mr. Moore, good morning, sir ! 

Mr. M. Colonel, I'm glad to see you, sir, — indeed, I 
am, sir ! Take a seat, sir. I hope your family is well, sir. 
Beautiful day, sir. 



40 THE BAYONET. 

{Colonel bows conlinuaUy .') 

Col. Thank you, air. 

Mr. M. Peter ! Peter I Ho, Peter I 

Pater. Yere I is, sah. 

Mr. M. Go into the library, Peter, and brinf? me that 
bottle of whiskey. (^Peter is kicking the ground.) Do you 
hear, Peter? 

Peter. Yes, sah. 

Mr. M. And two glasses, Peter. 

Peter. Yes, sah. 

{Peter moving to the house.) 

Mr. M. Vm right glad you've come, Colonel, — indeed 
I am. I sent the Captaiu a note with his breakftist, this 
morning, asking him to be here at eleven, and he says he 
will be here, sir. 

CoL That's a right clever dodge, sir, — furnishing the 
Captain with his breakfast every morning, sir. John 
Randolph, or some other Southerner, said in Congress some 
years ago, sir, " If you want to hit a Yankee, strike him 
in the pocket, sir." But I reckon I can improve on that, 
sir. If you want to win the good will of a Yankee Cap- 
tain, give him his breakfast, sir. A breakfast starts a 
man for the day, sir. A good breakfast makes him a 
gentleman, sir. But a bad breakfast makes him as surly 
as a bear, — as surly as a bear, sir ! You can't manage a 
man on an empty stomach, or on one badly filled. Eh, 
sir? Indeed you can't, sir. 

{Re-ente'^ Peter with glasses^ etc. — They Jill, touch, and 
drink together.) 

Mr. M. to Col. Our cause, — the South. 

{They drink. Exit Peter, ivith glasses, etc., into the 
house.) 

Col. And you think he will accept, sir? 

Mr. M. He can 't help it, sir. He is spooney on my 
daughter, sir. And she takes to him right smart, sir. 
At least, there is more than the ordinary amount of regard 
between them, sir. And then, the rank and the wealth, 
— wealth, sir. 



THE BAYONET. 41 

Col. Yes, sir. That first meeting of theirs was calcu- 
lated to inspire something of that sentiment, sir; but 
still, that part of the case gets me, sir. How will you 
manage it, sir? 

Mr, M. Why, Colonel? If he accepts the commis- 
sion, he accepts the whole case, sir. There is no half-way 
here, sir, I shall send Bessie south in his charge. I 
have already deeded to her the Alabama estates in his 
trust — I think they can manage the rest, sir, — yes, sir. 

CoL But, my dear sir, have you broached the sub- 
ject to Bessie? Does she know of it, sir? 

Mr. M. Indeed, I have not, sir ! That would never 
do while she is under Mrs. Moore's eyes ; no, sir ! An 
obstinate woman, my wife, sir. She won't even consent 
to show herself when the Captain is about, sir. Although 
I think she admires the Captain ; but she has too much 
grit, sir. Too much Southern grit to show it, sir. Yes, 



sir 



Col. And have you spoken to him of the attack to- 
night, sir? 

Mr. M. Colonel, I have not, sir. I only received your 
letter announcing your purpose, this morning, sir. Per- 
haps we had better postpone it until we get his answer, sir. 

Col. Impossible, sir ! Impossible ! Our people are im- 
patient to get at these folks here, who are really isolated 
from the main body of their troops ; and I have had all I 
could do to restrain them so far, — yes, sir ; all I could 
do, sir. The Captain in charge of the party is at my house 
now, sir ! Yes, sir ! There now, sir ! 

Mr. M. There now, Colonel, is not that rather 
reckless and indiscreet, sir? Suppose some of your nig- 
gers inform on us, sir? 

Col, Oh, never mind that. Leave m3' niggers to me, 
sir. I know them, sir. 

Mr. M. But, Colonel, I insist on this : whether the 
Captain accepts or declines, he must not be harmed to- 
nigiit, sir! No, sir, — not harmed, sir ! 

Col. I think that can be arranged, sir ! Yes, sir ! 
i^Aside.) He and his Lieutenant are just ttie game we are 
after. But we attack his po^t to-night — sure, sir! In- 
deed, we will, sir ! 
3* 



42 THE BAYONET. 

Mr. M. (Looks at Jiis watch.) It is time for liiin, — 
he is very punctual, Colonel — will you please walk into 
the library, sir; let me sound him alone, sir, if you please, 
sir. {Col. re-enters the house.) I don't like this business of 
to-night ! What if he declines my proposals ? And shall I 
post him as to the attack? That would not do. {Moves to 
vortico. — Looks up.) Oh ! Here he is ! {Enter Capt. 
F. — He moves to the portico.) I am glad to see you, 
Captain. 

Capt. F. Thank you, Mr. Moore. 

Mr. M. Indeed I am, sir ! Take a seat, sir ! {Proffers 
chair on portico.) 

Capt. F. Thank you. 

{They sit or not, as may seem desirable.) 

Mr. M. How do you feel, sir? Fine weather, sir ! A 
wonderful climate we have here, sir ! 

Capt. F. Yes ; Mr. Moore. Tiiis is a very pleasant 
climate. {Aside.) Oh, Oh! "Whither blows the gentle 
Southern zephyr? 

Mr. M. The ladies are out for a short walk, sir! They 
will be here presently, sir — yes, sir! Here! Feter ! — 
Ho, Peter! 

{Re-enter Peter from the house.) 

Peter. Yere I is, sah ! 

3Ir. M. Peter, go into the library and bring me that 
bottle of whiskey. {Aside to P.) Find Miss Bessie. 

Capt. F. If you please, Mr. Moore, — if you sent for 
the bottle on my account, I prefer not to take anything this 
morning — I don't feel just right. 

Mr. M. It will do you good, — do you good, sir. A 
soldier, Captain, never deserts his bottle or his — {Hesi- 
tates. The captain eyes him sharply.) 

Capt. F. Hisy?a(/, you intended to say, Mr. Moore? 

Mr. M. No, Captain. No, sir. I didn't have ibat in 
mind. But it is a very patriotic sentiment. Indeed it is, 
sir — yes, sir. 

Capt. F, Please excuse me, Mr. Moore ; I really 
don't — 

3Ir. M. {Interrupting.) No excuses accepted, sir. I 
wish to drink your health, sii. {They JUL) Captain, 



THE BAYONET. 43 

your good health, sir. And I wish for your prosperity 
and success, sir, — yes, sir. 

Capt. F. Thank'you, Mr. Moore. 

{They drink, Peter takes glasses, etc. Be-enters the house.) 

Mr. M. Please walk this way, Captain. Those niggers 
of mine have long ears, Captain. Yes, sir, — long ears, sir. 

Capt. F. (Aside.) What's this first family man driving 
at? {To Mr. M.) Yes; the African bump of curiosity 
is generally quite largely developed. 

{They move offthepoitico towards the seot^) 

Mr. M. Pleasant conceit. Captain. Yes, sir. Do you 
know, Capta,in, there is only one animal in the world more 
cuiious than the nigger? Yes sir. Only one, sir. 

Capt. F. Indeed ! {Aside.) The old duffer is coming 
at me with his monkey arguments. I must choke him oft". 

Mr. M. Yes, sir, — it is the monkey, sir. When I was 
in — 

Capt. F. {Interrvpting.) Excuse me, Mr. Moore; I 
don't wish to interrupt you in your cheerful and entertain- 
ing narrative of 3'our travels in those tropical countries, — 
which 1 think I have heard you say before, you visited in 
your youthful days. 

Mr. M. {Trying to set in.) Yes, sir; I — 

Cai)t. F. And — I am always pleased to hear you 
relate your foreign travels, — 1 only wish to suggest, that 
the most inquisitive creature I have ever met is my Lieut. 
Connery at poker. 

Mr. M, Indeed I 

Capt. F. Yes ; Mr. Moore. He always wishes 
to know what kind of a hand 1 have, and whether or not I 
am bluffing. And let me assure you his inquisitiveness 
has ah-eady cost me m3' first month's pay ; and if he con- 
tinues in that same frame of mind, he \vill have my boots 
and sahre before he gets through. For I can't help 
bluffing, and he insists on calling me. {Aside ) I flatter 
mystlt I headed oflTold secesh that lime. 

Mr. M, {Aside.) Good; the poorer the better I 
(lo Capt. F.) Yes, sir. Lieut. Connery seems to be a 
man of great nerve, sir. I should think he might play u 
strong game, sir. - — yes, sir. 



44: THE BAYONET. 

Capt. F. You ought to see him play. But I would not 
advise you to play with him. We are not of the right 
temperament to meet his game. (^Aside.) Connery would 
scoop in this place in a weelv. Did I understand you to 
say the ladies were away from home? 

Mr. M. Only out for a walk, sir. {Aside.) Dern that 
nigger, why don't he find her? Only out for a walk, sir. 
And you received my note, sir ? 

Capt. F. Oh, yes ; thank you. And I am obliged to 
yoa for your kindness and politeness, Mr. Moore. 

Mr, M. Yes, Captain. Thank you, sir, {They are 
near the seat. M. feels for papers.) 

Capt. F. (Aside.) Why I What's the matter with 
this old rebel ? He don't seem to be drunk, but he is as 
affiable as a candidate for Congress. 

Mr. M. Captain, you will excuse me, sir. I am a bluff 
kind of a man, sir, — yes, sir. It's a way we Southern 
people have, sir. 

Capt. F. (Aside.) What the deuce is the matter with 
old Chivalry? 

Mr. M. What I am about to say is sacred, sir — sa- 
cred — and I rely on your honor as a gentleman, sir, — on 
your honor, sir. 

Capt. F. Yes ; my honor, perhaps, is worth more than 
m}^ note. 

Mr. M. Indeed, Captain, you are a cheerful man, 
and full of pleasant conceits, sir ; and I think a brave 
man, indeed, — I know it, sir! 

Capt. F. (Aside.) This is the longest conundrum I 
ever heard. 

Mr. M. But to business sir. I am about to send my 
daughter South. 

(Captaiyi starts.) 

Capt. F. (Aside.) Oh, ho ! This wind has a daugh- 
terly direction. (To Mr. Moore.) Indeed? 

Mr. M. Yes, sir ; you see, she don't like this business. 
Your soldiers are offensive. You understand. Captain? 
Your soldiers^ not all the officers, sir, — no, sir I 

Capt. F. (Aside.) I thought so. 

Mr. M. She will need a protecto.-, — some one to look 
after her interests, sir. (Mr, Moore eyes Captain bitzhuyh 



THE BAYONET. 45 

sharply. The Captain is amazed.) But I have though, 
sir, considering your relations with tlie family. (Hesi- 
tates.) — 

Capt. F. (Aside.) What in the world have I to do 
with his family ? 

Mr. M. I have hoped, sir, I could induce you to under- 
take the charge, sir, — yes, sir, 

Capt. F. (Starts. — Aside. -^Whistles.) Me! Mr. 
Moore ? I go South ? Why, how could I get through the 
lines, if I were so disposed? 

(M, produces p)apers.) 

Mr M. Here, sir. Please look at these papers, sir. 
(Hands Capt. Fitzhugh the jxipers.) 1 am influential with 
our people. These papers fix all that, sir. — yes, sir. 

(Mr. Moore walks aioay a step or two.) 

Capt. F. (Reads.) " John Fitzhugh, Brigadier Gen- 
eral " — " report for duty " — " Richmond " — " estates in 
my trust" — why, Mr. Moore, this comes very unexpect- 
edly to me ! 

Mr. M. And your answer, Captain. Here is rank, 
wealth, and — Captain, your answer. 

Capt. F. (Aside.) As the Celts say, — "Howly 
schmoke ! " (To M.) I wish a little time to consider. 

Mr. M. Certainly, Captain ; un(;ler ordinary circum- 
stances, but in these war times — Despatch^ sir, — yes, sir, 
despatch! You consider this favorably, I hope, sir? 

Capt. F. Mr. Moore, I am a Federal soldier, and — 

Mr. M. I know, sir ; but, consider the inducements. 

Capt. F. Yes, Mr. Moore. I will consider ; Iwill give 
you my answer to-morrow. (Aside.) Will John Fitz- 
hugh desert his family and his colors? Hardly I 

Mr. M. And, Captain ! 

(Enter ladies.) 

Bessie. Captain Fitzhugh, I did not expect to see 
you this morning, but I am happy to meet you. 

Capt. F. Thank you, Miss Bessie. And Miss Eleanor, 
have you enjoyed your walk? 

Eleanor. Oh, you have discovered me ! Good morning. 
Captain. So-so ; but it is not precisely agreeable to walk 



46 THE BAYONET. 

with one who is present in person, while her thoughts are 
elsewhere. Is it, Captain ? 

Cajjt. F, Perhaps not. 

Eleanor. Is it, Bessie? 

Bessie. (PettisJily.) Oh, please stop your nonsense. 

{Re-enter Colonel. The Copt, and the ladies converse on 
the left centre.) 

Mr. M. Captain, {Capt. F. moves toivards Mr. M.) 
please allow me, sir, to present my friend. Colonel Roland. 
Colonel, this is the Captain of whom you have heard me 
speak so often, — rescued my daughter, sir. A perfect 
gentleman, sir, — yes, sir, perfect gentleman. 

Col. I am proud to meet you. Captain. Hope you are 
well, sir. Have heard of 3'ou often, sir. How do you 
like our Southern country, sir? 

{They shake.) 

Capt. F. (Aside.) Here is a new first family man. 
Thank you. Colonel. I am tolerably well. You seem to 
have a fine country here, sir. A sort of pastoral country, 
is it not. Colonel? But you don't seem to pan out heavy 
on sheep. I thought I should be able to procure some of 
your celebrated Southern South Down mutton, about here, 
Colonel. 

CoL Haven't 3- ou bad an}'' of our mutton yet, sir ? 

Capt. F. Can't say that I have. Colonel. 

Col. Why, sir, I assure you I have, or I did have, two 
hundred of the finest sheep you ever saw, sir. But they 
have disappeared, sir. Yes, sir, — all gone, sir. 

Capt. F. Indeed ! Disease, Colonel ? 

Col. No, sir. I reckon not. It's the niggers or the 
troops, — I don't know which. 

Capt. F, Oh ! It must be the niggers. The African 
is fond of sheep, I have heard. And do you know. Colo- 
nel, our Northern soldiers come from the cities, mostl^^, and 
I doubt if they would dare to look a sheep in the face. 
Oh no. Colonel. It must be the niggers. I am certain of 
it. 

Col. Mr. Moore, I told you so. Captain — 

{Peter re-eriters.) 



THE BAYONET. 47 

Peter (To Mr. Moore). Lunch is ready, sah. 
Mr. M. All right, Peter. 

(Exit Peter. P. to house. Capt. Fitzhugli offers his arm 
to Bessie. The Colonel offers his to Eleanor, They 
move owards the house.) 

Bessie. (Aside to the Captain.) Meet me in the grove 
after lunch without fail. 

(Captain starts.) 

Capt. F, (Aside to Bessie.) We will get excused. (To 
M.) Mr. Moore, will you please excuse us from lunch? 

Mr. M. Oh, certainly, Captain, if you wish. Yes, sir, — 
certainly, sir. 

(Bessie and the Captain move to the left. The others to the 
right, and into the house.) 

Col. (Aside to M.) He is fond of that kind of bait. 
Mr. M. (Aside.) Yes, sir. I have him, sir, — I have 
him. 

(Scene closes. Flats in front.) 



ACT THIRD. 

SCENE SECOND. 



(The grove ichere Capt, Fitzhugh and Bessie first met. 
William, the Captain's servant, is discovered looking, as 
if for some one to the right.) 

William. Not yere? I wonder whar dat Captain can be? 
Dar's music in de air, — dar is. R;3bs 'tack de Yanks. 
Golly ! And whar will dis yere child be? 
(Sings.) 

Oh, ain't T glad I'se out ob de wilderness ? 
Out ob de wilderness I 
Out ob de wilderness ! 
Oh, ain't I glad I'se out ob de wilderness ? 
Niggers, brees de Lord I 



48 THE BAYONET. 

I wonder whar dat Captain can be ; must come dis yere 
way befo he goes to de camp. Sam Jones says de rebs 
will 'tack de Captain's camp to-night, shuah ! Must tell 
dis 3'ere to de Captain, befo he sees any odder nigger, 
shuah ! I rudder tink de Captain will make it salubrious 
for dem rebs. And dat Lieut. Connery — Golly ! What a 
smooth man, dat Massa Connery. Jest as smooth — jest 
as smooth — till you rubs de fur de wrong way, and den 
— diap dat cat ! drap dat cat ! Rebs 'tack dat camp? Go 
'way dar, white trash, go 'way dar ! {Discovers the (Jap- 
tain and Bessie app'roaching. It.) As shuah as I'se going 
to be free nigger, dar comes de Captain and young missus 
Bessie. What's de Captain doing with de young missus? 
Dar's music 3'ere, for sartain — for sartain. I reckon dis 
yere child had better leave dis yere place. 

{He hides. Enter Capt. Fitzhugh and Bessie, R.) 

Capt. F. Bessie, it is hard to believe this. I should 
hardly think my relations — {hesitates) — I can hardly 
believe your father would keep this from me. 

( William listens.) 

Bessie. Captain, you don't quite understand. They 
all know of your friendly relations with — 
{Checks herself.) 

Capt. F. Hello ! what 's this ? 

Bessie. Our family — 

Capt.F, {Aside.) Oh! 

Bessie. And they would not let father into the secret, 
lest, out of gratituae, he might disclose it to you. And 
it was not easy. Captain, with all my love for the South 
and our noble cause, thus to betray our friends. But you 
once befriended me, and we have met quite often since, 
and — {hesitates) — and I have resolved to befriend you. 
But if anything should happen to you — 

Capt. F. Oh! never fear that. {Aside.) Does not 
this beautiful creature take rather more stock in me than 
she ought to have in a man with a wife and child ? 

Bessie. But this will be a desperate tight. And that 
you should be injured here, so near us — 1 could not en- 
dure that, — no, no ! 



THR BAYONET. 49 

Copt. F. We shall bo prepared for them, Bessie. It 
will not be especially desperate, I a|)prehend. {A^hU.) 
It is hard to tell where the gratitude leaves otf, and the 
affection begins. Eh ? 

Bexde. And 3^on will probably capture most of thera. 

Capt. F. It is my impression now, Bessie, that some of 
them had better be saving up their money to buy burial 
caskets if they are particular on that subject. Thirt\ of 
them, you say? They attack us at ten ; I wish they had 
concluded to come earlier, so as not to disturb our rest. 
But J think we will set up for them. 

liessie. Yes, Captain ; Colonel Roland's house ser- 
vant, Sam, followed me about this morning, twenty min- 
utes, to get an opportunity to tell me alone. He didn't 
dare to go to you for fear of beintr suspected. He says 
the leader of the party is now ( William still listens) at the 
Colonel's house, and he overheard them talking it over. 
• Capt. F. You don't mean to say that that dilapidatecl 
blonde of a colonel, whom I met at your ftither's house, is 
in this thing? Why, he was the politest specimen of the 
chivalry I have seen. He appeared to be especially solic- 
itous about my health. 

Bessie. Captain, please don't speak in that manner of 
our people. They are brave and chivalrous. But the brave 
and chivalrous are willing to fight for their country, unless, 
like my father, they are too old for the service, and it is only 
such creatures as this Colonel Roland who stay at home 
and talk fight, while they are cowards at heart, that brings 
us into disrepute, and leads you Northerners to use the 
word "chivalr}^" as a byeword and a reproach. Oh, we 
have chivalrous men and women, and you will yet meet 
them. But please excuse me. Captain, as you know I am 
not usually so patronizing. You know how to act. Don't 
trouble Colonel Roland or any one at his house, — that 
would bring suspicion on us at once. But be prepared, 
Captain, — be ready. {Hesitates.) Oh, never mind. Please 
take me to the house. 

Capt. F. Yes, Bessie, I thank you for great kind- 
ness and consideration. I know I ought not to have 
spoken as I did just now ; but I am not a saint, and — 

{They move off. R.) 
5 



e50 THE BAYONET. 

Bessie. There, Captain ! Please say no more about it. 
Capt. F. Yes. But that blonde Col — 

{Exeunt. R. William comes from his hiding place.) 

Wm. If dat nigger, Sam Jones, hasn't done gone tell 
de young missus — I'se a nigger sinner. Dar's going to 
be music round about yere. Thirty rebs going for de 
Yanks. I reckon dat camp is no place for dis yere child. 
Rebs 'tack de Yanks ! Go way dar, white trash ! Go 
way, dar! (Sirigs.) But — 

I lubs to hear the hreezes a kissing in de lano, 

I liibs to see de old folks when I'se get home again; 

I Itibs to hear the breezes a bumming all de day, — 

But de sweetest ting I eber saw, 

"Was my sweet Sally Gray. 

{^Shuffles.) 

Oh, Sally Gray, she looks so gay, 

I really tink I will: 
Oh, Sally Gray, she looks so gay. 

Keep still, me heart, keep still f 
• Oh, Sally Gray, she looks so gay, 

I really tink I will; 
Oh, Sally Gray, she looks so gay. 

Keep still, me heart, keep still I 

{Exits- L.) 
{Scene Closes.) 



ACT THIRD. 

SCENE THIRD. 



{Camp, same as before. Time, half-past nine, P, M, 
Moon dimly seen through the clouds. Ihe piece of artil- 
lery off, — sentry as before, — a bright fii e in the middle 
of the stage. The tents are lighted. In the officers' tent, 
Capt. Fitzhugh and Lieut. Morgan smoking, — Morgan 
reads a paper by the light of a candle stuck in a bottle. 
As the curtain rises, enter soldier with mail-bags, Jrom 
L. He moves to Sergt. TJiompson's quarters.) 

JSoL Mail, Sergeant I 



THE BAYONET. 51 

Sergt. T. Turn out for mail ! Turn out for mail ! 
(Men rush to the Sergeant's tent for letters.) Come! 
Steady there, men ! 

( They gradually disperse — some 2vith letters — to their 
quarters.) 

Capt» F. Mr. Morgan, didn't you hear some one say 
mail? 

JJeut. Morgan. Yes, sir ; I thought so. 

Capt. F. Rather late, to-night ; but it is because we 
are so far from the main camp. 

(^A soldier moves from the Sergeant's tent to the Captain's 
with a small package^ such as could be sent by mail, and 
two letters.) 

Sol. {To Capt. Fitzhugh.) Mail, sir. 
Capt. F. Come in. 

( The soldier ( Orderly) leaves the mail-matter with the Cap- 
tain, and moves back to his quarters, saluting at entrance 
and exit.) 

Capt. F. A letter from home, — good ! 
Lieut. Morgan. And one for me, — better ! 
Capt F. Better for you, you mean, Mr. Morgan. 
Lieut. Morgan. Oh, yes, sir. 

{They read. The package is for the Captain, and contains 
a photograph of his wife and child. He moves to the 
camp-fire to look at it. Lieut. Morgan remains in his 
quarters reading.) 

Capt. F. {Aside with emotion.) A picture of my wife 
and child ! Such a coincidence ! She did not write me of 
this. And here I am, hardly out of that old rebel's si^ht 
and hearing, who talked to me of promotion and wealth, 

and Be his daughter. {Looks at it again; 

then at his uniform, forcibly .) I pass ! That blonde Col- 
onel, however, must be salted. He won't make a hand- 
some corpse. But what's the use of being particular 
among friends? {To his tent. To Mr. M.) No bad 
news, I hope, Mr. Morgan. 

Lieut. Morgan. Well, no sir ; not absolutely bad. But 
my poor mother writes very despondentl3\ 



52 THE BAYONET. 

Capt. F. Sorry to hear that, sir. It is the worst feat- 
ure of this war, the sadness and gloom it brings, like a 
cold fog about our homes. You will hardly write her 
to-night ; perhaps not until after this scrimmage is over. 

Lieut. Morgan. I think I vyill write a word to-night, 
Captain, and leave it to be sent to-morrow, if anything 
happens to me. I have a presentiment I shall catch it 
to-night. 

Copt. F. Oh no, Mr. Morgan. Of course, you can 
write, if you see fit. But this will be a one-sided affair. 
They don't know we are expecting them, and we will giin 
them as boys shoot chickens in the conntry barnyards. 
Why, Mr. ISlorgan, I feel now, as if the mine had not been 
discovered which is to furnish the lead for the bullet to 
shoot me. 

Lieut. Morgayi. Yes ; I know you are a cheerful man, 
Captain, but I — 

Cct2^t. F. {Inter rvptiTig.) Oh, no ! Here, take a trifle 
of the army contractors' ready relief! {Proffers him a 
canteen.) 

Lieut. Morgan. No, thank you. Captain. 

Capt. F. No ; but I think I will press my pepper- 
mint. {TJie Copt, drinks. Morgan wirtes.) Sergeant? 

{Sergeant appears. Left and rear,) 

JSergt, T. Here, sir ! 

dqjt F. Mr. Connery has not yet returned. 

Seigt. T. He will be due in about twenty minutes. 

Capt F. Yes. Sergeant, come in. {Sergeant enters 
the tent.) Sergeant, we are to be attacked to-night. And, 
Sergeant, this is not a false alarm. Have you any rope 
in camp? 

Sergt. T. Yes, sir ; we have about fift}'^ feet of half- 
inch rope which they left from the forage wagons, when 
the3^ brought the straw. 

Capt. F. Well, Sergeant, I wish you to loosen all the 
gny ropes en this side of the tents. {Points to the side.) 
Do you understand. Sergeant? 

Seigt. T. Yes, sir. 

Capt. F. And fasten the ropes to each of the tents, 
to extend as far as possible from them, so that at signal 



THE BAYONET. 53 

the tents cm be pulled down instantly, and the camp left 
clear for gunning purposes. We are going to have a 
shooting match in this camp. Do you comprehend, Ser- 
geant? 

Sergt. T. I think so, sir. 

Capt. F. Have yowY men pack their knapsacks and 
take them to the hill over there, and have them ready to 
withdraw with their pieces and fifty rounds of ammuni- 
tion. Instruct the picket up the pike to see nobody, and 
not to allow himself to be taken without giving any alarm ; 
and the same with the camp-guard, and keep up a good 
camp-fire. Do you understand, Sergeant? 

Sergt. T. Perfectly, sir. 

Capt. F. Have you seen my boy, William, this evening, 
Sergeant ? 

Sergt. T. No, sir. I don't think he is in camp. 

Capt. F. Perhaps that intelligent and discreet citizen 
has got wind of this. Dismissed. {The Sergeant salutes 
and retires up.) Mr. Morgan, if we are not able to bag 
the most of Ihese Johnnies on that plan, our pay ought 
to be stopped. 

( The Sergeant instructs the sentry^ as he passes to his quar- 
ters — but does not speak so as to he heard. 'J he men 
are seen moving about., making preparations. Eater 
Lieut. Connery^ with squad from picket. R. Connery 
'moves diredly to his quarters. The squad moves to the 
men*s quarters; the Sergt. in command.) 

Seigt. Squad, halt! By the right flank, right face! 
Break ranks, march I 

{They disperse.) 

Lieut. Connery. {To the Captain.) Well, Captain, 
{lights his pipe) what's up? Good evening, Mr. Morgan. 

Jdeut Morgan. Good evening, Mr. Connery. 

Capt. F. What's up? Not much. But somebody is 
liable to be down before morning. A party of guerillas 
proposes to surprise this camp to-night. That's all. 

Lieut. Connery. Yes? Is not that dodge pretty much 
played out? 



54 THE BAYONET. 

Capt. F. Well, it seems not. It has not been pla3'ed 
at all yet. 

Lieut. Connery. But it has been threatened often enough. 

{Begins to remove his coat and sahre.) 

Capt. F. Oh, you need not unharness yet. This is a 
go, certain. They vibit us at ten, or thereabouts, — I 
know it. 

J jieut. Connery. Yes? How do you know it? 

CaiJt. F, My gentle tiger, please excuse me from an- 
swering that question, although it is not leading {Capt. 
F. begins to put on his coat and sabre), for it involves pri- 
vate domestic relations. 

Lieut. Connery. Yes? Petticoats? 

Capt F. Yes, petticoats, and possibly duplex elliptics, 
— old man. This is to be one of the timi^s that tr}' men's 
souls. Mine don't fully satisfy me, but I think I will stay 
by and see it out, 1 vvdl explain in detail, presently. Or- 
derly ! 

{Orderly enters.) 

derly. Here, sir ! 

Capt. F. Tell the 1st Sergeant to have taps blown. 
{Orderly moves to \st Sergeant Thompso7i's tent.) 
1st Sergeant. Bugler, blow taps ! 
{Taps blown — bugler need not be seen. He uses the 
Artillery call for tajys. Stage shoidd be perfectly silent 
ivhile this is going on. Lights out.) 

Sentry. Lights out ! 
{Lights disappear through the camp. Captain F. picks up 

Lieut. Connery's or JAeut Morgan's cap, and uses it as a 

snuffer to extinguish candle.) 

Cajjt. F, {Softly.) Sergeant Thompson? 

Sergt. T. {Softly.) Here, sir. 
{The camp is now very quiet, and all conversation is in a 
low tone.) 

Capt. F. Ropes adjusted? 

Seigt. T. Yes, sir. 

Capt. F, Picket and guard instructed ? 

Sergt, T, Yes, sir. 



THE BAYONET. 55 

Copt. F. Form the compan}^ ! 
Setgt. T. Yes, sir. 

(^The Sergt, moves to the tents, looks in — as if calling out 
the men, but does not speak so as to be heard. The corn- 
pan f/ forms quietly and silently. Officers stand whispering 
together.) 

{To Copt.) Company is formed, sir! 

Capt. F. Thank you, Sergeant. {Officers in proper 
places — softly.) Company! Ey the right flank, right 
face ! Forward by file right, march ! 

{The company moves off to the left and rear — disappears. 
Part oj the command remains with Capt. Fitzhugh, and 
Lieut. Morgan on the left, and the rest, about one-third, 
with Lieut. Connery, crosses over by the rear of the stage, 
so as not to be seen, to the right. Enter William, R. 
William moces to Capt's. tent.) 

William. {To Sentry.) Mr. Soger, whar is de Cap- 
tain ? 

Sentry. What do you want of him, moak? 

William. De rebs am a coming, shuah ! 

iSentry. Well, let 'era come ! 1 ain't going to kick, — 
I ain't ! The Captain is with the company on the hill, 
over there. You better git out of this. They will maice 
a stiff' of you, — they will. 

Wdliam. Oh, I don't fear nuffin ! I'se been watch- 
ing dem rebs dese two hours. Golly ! Won't dey cotch it ? 

{Exit L.) 

{A short interval. Suddenly, about a dozen musket shots 
are fired into the camp from the attacking paity on the 
RIGHT, hut the pa,ty is not seen fiom the front. The 
sentry falls, as if he luere shot; taking care to have his 
musket near by; his face to the hear of the stage, — 
Federals quite silent, and unseen. Then, six or eight 
htads art: seen pushed out from the right, ahd quickly 
■withdrawn. 2 hen, enter Col. Jioland.) 

Colonel. {Softly.) This way, gentlemen ! ( To Cap- 
tain's tent.) Our game is here. {Fields ttnt empty.) 
Some derned Yankee game ! 



56 THE BAYONET. 

(//e is followed by a crowd of men^ as many as can be far^ 
nished, up to twenty-Jive or thirtfj^ in all soi^ts of costumes, 
and a few gray uniforms. Thy peer about the tents, 
and one approaches Scot, the sentry, and empties his 
pockets, KNEELING ON HIM wMle he does it. Another 
puHs off Scot's boots, or attempts it. As soon as the attack- 
ing pa ity is well on, the tents are quickly pulled over, 
and the stage cleared. Light is gradually thrown on the 
middle of the stage, but not too much of it.) 

Bebel officer. Now then, men, stand by ! 

( The men cluster about him wt no particular order, with their 
pieces ready for action, looking in all directions.) 

Capt. F. (Outside, loudly.) Company, ready! Aim! 
Fire! {They fire. Several of the attacking party drop, and 
the others face in the direction of the firing.) How are you, 
chivalry? Charge! 

{Fitzhugh's men should be so posted as to show the blaze of 
their muskets to the audience, and at the command 
''' charge !" they commence to cheer and yell. But they 
must not come on too quickly for they are supposed to come 
some little distance.) 

Rebel officer. Stand up to them, men ! Ready ! Aim ! 
Fire ! {They fire on Capt. Fitzhugh's party before they gt 
in sight from the front.) Stand firm, men ! 

{They rally about him at " charge bayonets. ") 

Capt. F. Rall^', men, rally ! Give them your steel ! 
Go for them ! 

{Capt. Fitzhugh's party charges doivn on the attacking 
party from the left. The attacking party pours in their 
reseuved fire. Seoeral if F's. men drop, including Lieut, 
Morgan. Attacking party stands firm. Capt. Fitzh ugh' s 
party rktires. The attacking party at this, cheer wildly, 
mid yell.) 

Capt. F. ( Outside on left.) Steady, there, men ! Get 
into line ! Dress up on the left, there ! Now, go f jr them 
again ! Charge ! 



THE BAYONET. 57 

{The attacking party in the meantime is reloading' Capt. 
Fitzh lights party again moves on the attacking party in the 
centre of the stage with cheers and yells. The last yield ; 
they fall back nearer the right. Capt. Fitzhugh's men 
gire fresh cheers^ and just thf^n Lieut. Cannery ivith his 
men dashes out from the right and the rear on the attack- 
ing party.) 

Lieut. Cannery. Surrender, you lousy rascals ! Drop 
your pieces and down on your knees ! {They throw down 
their pieces, some drop on their knees., others throw up their 
arms in t)ken of surrender.) 

Capt. F. Look out there, Mr. Connery ! You are los- 
ing your temper. 

Lieuf. Connery. Yes, I came near it. 

Colonel. {Rising, picks itp a musket and aims at Capt, 
Fitzhugh.) IJere goes one for luck ! 

/Sergeant. {/Using, shoots the Colonel, ju><t as Lieut. 
Connery jumps at him.) Yes ! And here goes another for 
fun. {Several Federals make for the ColoneVs pockets, 
William steps up to Capt. F. and offers him a canteen. 
The men cheer and yell. William shuffles.) 
{Curtain down.) 



58 THE BAYONET. 



ACT FOURTH. 

SCENE FIKST. 

{Capt. FItzhuglCs vnnter quarters^ — two years having 
elap^pAl fiince last Act. Log hut, — the logs being squared 
on three sides, so as to present an even appearance in- 
side; the roughs or natural prirt of the logs being outside. 
It runs (tcross the stage from right to left, and is large 
and capacious. The walls are about ten feet high; the 
rafters are of plank, covered with canvas frr a roof. 
In th''. middle, there iv a chimney of brick, with a large 
fire-place; a board mantle over the fire-place; with cigar- 
boxe^^ pipes, &c., thereon. On the right of the chimney., 
a door leading into a cook room; and thete are doors in 
both ends. There are three camp bedsteads., ivith blank- 
ets^ &c , thereon., — leather pillows., or rubber pilloivs. On 
the walls hang three sabres., pistols, sashes, belts, <tc., 
(equipments). There is a water-bucket of leather {old- 
fa shi' me 'I fl re-bucket, contributed by some Virginia house- 
hold), and there is a rude set of shelves with tin dippers 
and pewter mugs, one or two common bottles — bitter 
bottles, &c, — a demijohn near by. In the middle, a 
long pine table, with one or two newspapers, books of tac- 
tics, and of the gospel, thereon, and a cribbage-board. 
Capt. Fitzhugh and Lieut. Thompson are playing crib- 
bage.) 

Capt. F. See here ! Mr. Thompson, it seems to rae 
3'ou are pegging quite lively. Thompson, were you a 
shoemaker when you enlisted? 

Lieut. Thompson. No, sir. But I hope to last long 
enough to get as much promotion as some of the shoe- 
makers are getting. 
, M {They play.) 

Capt. F. Six. 



THE BAYONET. 59 

Lieiif. Thonpsov. And nire arc fifteen, — two holes. 

Copt F. Tuke 'em, and look cheeilul. 

Lieut. Thowpson. And eight — twenty-three, and 
eight, is a pair, two holes — {p^g'^^) and thirty -one, two 
holes more, — and last card another hole. {Pegs.) 

Copt. F. How's that, Thompson? 

lAeut. Thompson. Oh, that's all right, Captain. The 
two eights make a pair, don't they? 

Co2)t. F. Certainly. 

Lieut. Tlwmpson. And my eight on your twenty-three 
makes thirty-one, — two holes more. 

Capt. F. So you say. 

Lieut. Thompson. And last card, another hole, — five 
in all. Oh, it's all right, Captain. I will leave it to Con- 
nery, for the drinks. 

. Copt. F. Yes ; out of my demijohn ! See here, Thomp- 
son ! Since you came into our mess, I have lost more 
than a million of dollars in leaving your bets to Connery. 
That's played out; and if I catch you cheating, I vill 
send you on picket duty, once a week extra, all winter. 
, {Bap outside.) Come in ! 

{Enter Ordeily. R.) 

Orderly. A gentleman outside wishes to see you, Cap- 
tain ! 

Copt. F. What does he look like ? 

Orderly. Biled shirt. 

Copt. F. Send him in. 

{Exit Orderly. E.) 

Capt. F. I reckon we will see him, eh, Mr. Thompson, 
if it don't cost too much? But it may be one of those 
tract scatterers. Shove those (the cards), out of sight ! 
Cover that demijohn, and get out the Bible ! 
{They arrange matters. Enter the Hon. Samuel Blow- 
hard, E.) 

Capt. F. {Aside.) A chaplain from civil life. {To B.) 
How do you do, sir? 

Blowhard, Capt. Fitzhugh, I suppose? 

Capjt. F. Yes, sir. I have been laboring under that 
same impression for about forty years. 



60 THE BAYONET. 

BlowUard. Captain, my name is Blowliard. I am 
the member from your district, — Samuel Bluwbard. 

Capt, F. Yes, sir. 1 am bapp}^ to see you liere, sir ! 
Member of Congress, I understood you to say? 

BloiDhard. Yes, sir. Member of tlie house of repre- 
sentatives. 

Copt. F. Indeed! Won't you be seated? (A.nde.) 
Thompson, get out the demijohn and cover up the Bible. 
I am truly happy to meet you here, Mr. Blowup. 

Blowliard. Blowhard, Captain. If you please, — 
Samuel Blowhard ! 

Capt. F. Excuse me, sir. When did you leave Wash- 
ington ? 

Blowhard. Yesterday, Captain, — and I had a terrible 
time of it in getting here. 

Capt. F. Indeed ! I wonder at that. A civilian 
generally receives great attention in the army. 

Blowhard. Oh I I received attention enough, I assure 
you. Captain, — the loss of all my carpet-bag contained 
proves that. 

Capt. F. Yes, Mr. Blowhard. There are so many 
servants in the army who are given to petit larceny, that — 
do you ever take anything, sir? I mean to drink. Please 
excuse me for asking. I had an idea that congressmen 
never took anything {aside), except their pay. We have 
a little commissary. 

{Thompson exits quietly, L.) 

Blowhard. Yes, Captain. Tliank you. I will try it. 

Capt F. Oh, yes. {Loudly.) Fire! Fire I 

Blowhard. Captain! Fire? Where? 

Capt. F. Oh, I didn't think. You see, Mr. Blowhard, 
that's my way of calling William when we drink. I take 
that way to let him know the nature of the duty he is 
wanted for. He usually comes very lively on that call, 
for he frequently manages to get a drink out of it. 

{Enter William, from cook-room.) 

William. Yere I is, sah. 
( William without aiiy other order moves directly to the water 
buckets and proceeds to kelp them.) 



THE BAYONET. 61 

Bloiohard. (To Copt. F.) Intelli'ojent man, Captain. 

Milliam. {To Bloivhard.) Water, sah? 

Capt. F. Oh, yes, he comes from one of the first fami- 
lies on his father's side. 

William, ( To Capt, F.) Water, sah ? 

Capt. F. {To Blowhard^ ivJw is quite bald.) Mr. Blow- 
hard ; here's the hair all off the top of your head. Please 
excuse me, sir. I did not notice your inllrmity, for you 
look like a younger man, generally. That's our regular 
toast. It's a way we have of expressing the hope, that our 
friends may live long enough to be compelled to use store 
hair. 

Bloivhard. Oh, it is? I see much in the army that is 
entirely new to me. Thank you, Captain. {They driyik. 
William titkes the utensils to the shelves and steals a drink. 
Exit cook-room.) So, Captain, these are your winter 
quarters. 

Capt. F. Yes, sir. Here is where we poor fellows suf- 
fer during the winter months. It is awful, sir ! {Aside.) 
He will think so if Connery strikes him at poker. 

Bloivhard. It is wonderful ! {Looks about.) And you 
seem to have another room out there ? 

{Pointing to C. R door.) 

Capt. F. Yes, sir. We think this will do ; our men 
whacked this up in three days on only six extra rations of 
commissary. The bricks for that chimney we borrowed of 
one of our neigbors, who had previously loaned the army 
the other parts of his family mansion. In there? That 
is our cook-room and servants' hall. My boy William 
holds a town meeting in there from the time we turn in in 
the evening, until we turn out, in the morning, at which 
latter time he usually commences to sleep. 

Bloivhard. You don't mean to say you have a cook? 

Capt. F. Don't 1? Here. Uncle Peter! Uncle 
Peter ! 
{Enter Peter^ C. R. This must be a venerable nigger., 

with a hitch in his gait., and the other boy, William^ by 

disguising, can play the part.) 

Uncle Peter. Dat's me ! 
6 



62 THE BAYONET. 

{He hotvs incessantly^ but says nothing.) 

Capt. F. Don't that look like a cook ? 

BloivJiard. Well, I declare ! 

Capt. F. Uncle Peter, — how old are you ? 

Uncle Fcter. Two hundred and twelve years, massa 
Captain. 

(Bows and scrapes. B. laughs.) 

Capt. i*'. How long have you been cooking, uncle? 

Uncle Peter, Free hundred and nine years, massa Cap- 
tain. 

{B. laughs.) 

Capt. F. Uncle Peter. This gentleman is just from 
Washington, — he is a member of Congress, uncle. 
{Peter starts, botvs, and scrapes.) 

Uncle Peter. What! (Aside.) Looks like de sutler ! 
Is you one ob de gemmen what gibs out de bureaus? Cos 
if you is, I wants one wid a looking-glass. 
(All laugh ) 

Capt. F. Oh, never mind that bureau now, uncle. 

Uncle Peter, No, sah ! Just as you say, massa Cap- 
tain. 

Capt, F, Just give us one verse, uncle, and then give 
us our dinner. 

U7icle Peter. Massa Captain, indeed I will. 

(Sings.) 

I am de jolliest cullud pusson eber you did see, 

Wliai's trabelled troo dis wicked world and seen fo' sco' and free, 

And nebber lay down; 

And my name am Peter Brown. 

And tho' I'm getting gray, 

1 feel just like 1 used to leel, 

When in my younger days, 

And nebber lay down. 

(Shuffles to C. R. door.) 

And nebber lay down. 

And nebber lay down. 

And my name am Peter Brown. 

And tho' I'm getting gray, 

I feel just like I used to feel, 

When in my younger days 



(Outside.) 



And nebber lay down, 
And nebber lay down. 



THE BAYONET. 63 

Blowhard. A very interesting old man, sir. 1 thought 
you had to do your own cooking, Captain? 

Copt. F. Yes, sir ; I know that is the popular notion 
about soldiering. And I remember to have seen a play in 
which there was a scene representing several British offi- 
cers in the Crimea, who were, by the way, of the British 
aristocracy, doing their own cooking ; which is doubtless a 
very common practice among the officers of the English 
aristocracy ; but it is not popular with us free-born Ameri- 
cans. We grub it sometimes on the march, but as cooks 
in camp we don't excel — any to speak of. 

(^Enter Lieuts. Connery and Thompson.) 

Mr. Blowhard : these are my officers ; this is Lieut Con- 
nery, and this Lieut. Thompson. Mr. Blowhard, gentle- 
men, member of Congress from our district. 

{They shake.) 

Mr. B. Happy to meet you, gentlemen. 
Lieut. Thompson. Thank you, sir. 
Lieut. Connery. Yes, house or senate, sir? 
Blowhard. House of representatives, Mr. Connery. 
Lieut. Connery. Yes; I hope you will enjoy yourself 
here. 

( C. moves off, eyeing Blowhard. Lieut. Thompson goes for 
a pipe.) 

B'owhard. Captain, I thought you had an officer, 
Morgan, by name? 

Ca20t. F. Oh, yes, sir ! we did have ; but we left poor 
Morgan in a guerilla fight earl}^ in the war. 

Blowhard. Indeed ! I do not remember to have seen 
his death announced in the papers. 

Lieut. Connery. Probably they spelt it 3fush, or any- 
thing but Morgan, so that it escaped your notice, Mr. 
Blowhard. 

Blowhard, Possibly, sir. 

Capt. F. Yes, sir. We have not 3^et had much oppor- 
tunity for promotion, for they kept us in the defences of 
Washington until the last fall. But the spring campai.,^n 
bids fair to off'er right smart of promotion. Eh, Connery ? 



64 THE BAYONET. 

Lieut. Connery. Yes ! I expect to be the captain of 
this compan}' by the next fourth of July. 

Blowhard. But what is to become of the captain? 

Capt. F. Oh, I am ^oing up ! 

Lieut. Connery. Yes, — or down ! {Pointing to the 
floor. Aside to Capt.) I wish to sie you alone. 

Capt. F. (Aside.) All right. {Captain nods to Lieut. 
Thompson. Ihey approach. Blowhard is looking at the 
arms, etc.) (Aside to T) Take him in to dinner, please ; I 
want to speak with Connery. (To B.) Mr. Blowhard, 
it is nearly dinner time. Perhaps you would like a drop 
of bitters. 

Blowhard. Well, sir; I don't mind. (Aside.) Fm 
nearly famished. 

Capt. F. (Loudly.) Fire ! Fire ! 

(Re-enter William C. Ji. William moves directly to water 
bucket as before. They fill.) 

Blowhard. Your healths, gentlemen. 
(They nod and drink, and William puts away utensils and 
steals another drink.) 
Capt. F. William, ask Uncle Peter how long it will be 
before he can give us our dinner? 
William. Yes, sah ! 

(He re-enters cook room.) 
Capt. F. You will not find our dinner very elaborate, 
Mr. Blowhard ; but solid and substantial, I trust. 
(Re-enter William^ C. R.) 

William. Dinner is ready, sah. 

Capt. F» Mr. Blowhard, please walk in with Mr. 
Thompson ; and I must ask you to excuse Mr. Connery 
and myself for a short time. He has just returned from a 
court martial, and I wish to talk over a little court busi- 
ness. 

Blowhard. Certainly, Captain ! 

JJeut. Thompson. This way, if you please, sir ! 

( They enter cook-room. William follows.) 
Capt. F. Mr. Connery, — what's up ? 



THE BAYONET. 65 

lAeut. Cannery. Yes ! You know Captain, we have 
been trying that prisoner Eaton, whom we took on the 
picket line. 

Capt. F. Yes, — as a spy. 

Lieut. Connery. Yes ; and although, as you know. 
Captain, I have no right to disclose the findings of the 
court, I will in this case ; for I don't believe he was here 
as a spy, but was only trying to get North to visit his 
friends. He was found guilty and sentenced to be hung. 

dipt. F. Well, old man, how does this properly af- 
fect mj' dinner? 

Lieut. Connery. Yes, dinner ! After the trial was over, 
he sent for me, and asked me if I knew you! 

Capt. F. Me ! 

{Starts.) 

Lieut. Connery. Yes, and when I told him I was one 
of your officers, he told me his story. It was just what I 
suspected ; but there was no other lawyer on the court de- 
tail, and it is a case of rope, — so far. He gave me this. 

(Lieut. Connery hands the Captain a paper. The Cap- 
tain starts and reads.) 

Capt. F. "7 am not a spy. P> rhaps you have heard, of 
me. Clarence King." Good Heavens ! Connery ! This 

is the affianced lover of Be , — of the lady who gave us 

information of the guerilla attack. 

Lieut. Connery. Yes, I thought so. 

Capt. F. Connery, please go in ; make some excuse to 
that M. C, and get him out here ; and keep Thompson in 
there wiiile I talk with the public benefactor. I never be- 
fore thought a member of Congress could be of any earth- 
ly use ; but I have changed my mind. 

Lieut. Connery. Yes, certainly, Captain. 

{Lieut. Connery enters cook-room ) 

Capt. F. Clarence King — Bessie Moore's lover, ap- 
peals to me. Hang him ! Quartermaster, you need not 
make a requisition tor that rope. {Enter Bloivhard, from 
cook-room.) Mr. Blowhard, please excuse me, sir, for in- 
terrupting you at dinner ; but it is a case of life and death. 

Blowhard. Captain ! 
6* 



bb THE BAYONET. 

Capt. F, Yes, sir ! Perhaps you have heard of our 
scrimmage with the guerillas, where we were saved through 
the information of a lady ? 

Blowhard. I think I did hear of it. There was a lad}* 
in the case if I remember correctly. Rather romantic, was 
it not? 

Capt. F. Very romantic, and exceedingly convenient. 
Now, sir, a confederate officer to whom that lady is en- 
gaged, has been arrested, tried, and convicted as a spy, and 
sentenced to be hung. The findings of the court are on 
the way to Washington by this time, and I wish to save 
him, — to have him pardoned. 

Blowhard. But suppose he really were a spy ? 

Capt. F. But he was not ! 1 — 

Blowhard. Excuse me ; he has been convicted as such. 

Capt. F. Mr. Blowhard, I care not if he were a spy ! 
His future wife, if we can save him, once saved my life, 
and perhaps the lives of most of our company. Now, I 
propose to save him, guilty or not guilty! Will you assist 
me? 

Blowhard. Well, Captain, j^ou seem to take this so 
much at heart, 1 think we will see what can be done. 

Capt. F. Thank you, Mr. Blowhard. {Takes his 
hana.) God bless you ! Go in and finish your dinner. I 
am off' to head-quarters for a leave of absence, and then to 
one of my battery friends for horses — we must start to- 
night — to-night, Mr. Blowhard. 

Blowhard. But, Captain, it is a ride of fifty miles ! 

Capt. F, And it is a case of life and death ! 

Bloivhard. {Hesitating.) I will go. 

Capt. F, Good ! 

{Mr. Blowhard to cook-room. Capt. F. to right door.) 

Clarence, my boy, 1 will save thee ! 

{Scent closes. Flats in front .) 



THE BAYONET. 67 

ACT FOURTH. 

SCENE SECOND. 

{A wood in Virginia, Thin growth of maple, cedar, oak 
and hemlock trees.) 

(Enter Capt. FitzhugK) 

Capt. F. If that M. C. didn't turn up just in time ! 
What a coincidence ! Bessie Moore saved me from those 
blood-thirsty guerillas, and now I am to save her lover, 
Clarence King, from the gallows. Stand a man on a 
caisson, tie a rope about his neck, fasten the other end to 
a tree, and then move on the caisson and leave him to 
struggle with the rope, — ugh ! It's bad enough to stand 
up and take your chance of being shot for the politicians 
of your country ; but I don t think it would be sweet to 
die for one's country on the end of a rope. Clarence, ray 
^oy, you shall have a chance of getting winged, and 
become an experimental subject for some youthful medical 
student. (He discovers Mr. B. and William approaching.) 
Hello ! who is this ? 

(Enter Blowhard and William. William has a lantern. 

L.) 

Blowhard. Captain — you here ? on 3-our way back to 
camp, I suppose? 

Capt. F. Yes, sir. I have the leave and the horses. 

Blowhard. I am so glad you have been so successful. 
I thought I ought not to leave camp without calling on 
your Colonel, and I asked William to show me over. The 
Colonel don't live in my district, but he is a very influen- 
tial man in an adjoining district. 

Cap)t. F. Certainly — 1 go in for influential men, strong 
just now. 1 suppose you know acres of those people in 
Washington. l3o you wish anything more of William, 
sir? I will accompany you to the Colonel's quarters. 

Bloiuhard. Oh, no. He onl^^ came to direct me. 



68 THE BAYONET. 

Capt. F, William, you can return to camp, and 3'oa 
can take the lantern with you ; we can get on better with- 
out it. Come, Mr. Blowharcl, if you please. 

{Exeunt, R.) 

William. Yes, sah, I ken go back to de camp — but dar 
is suffing goinonyere, dar is ; mighty cuiious child, disyere 
— mighty curious. {Discovery's some one coming.) What ! 
Why, bress me, if dar isn't a white trash! {Enter poor 
Virginia farmer from L. William holds lantern full in 
his face.) Who is yer, Mister? 

Farmer. Whose nigger are you ? 

William. See here, white trash. 1 don't want none of yer 
tobacco field talk, — dat's played out. I'se one of Uncle 
Sam's boys, — I is. Squit yer lip music ! Squit j-er non- 
sense, old rebellion. 

Farmer. {Aside.) The insolence of these niggers, 
when the Federals are about! But thare may be a regi- 
ment near by. 

William. {Aside.) What 's dat bacon-and-greens trash 
muttering about? 

Farmer. My good man — 

\\illiam. Dar it is ! Dat's de way you all talk when 
de Yanks am yere. 

Farmer. But, my good man, can j^ou tell me where 
the sutler is? 

William. Lookingforde sutler, is yer? Werry bad time 
dis yere for you folks to be looking for de sutler. Got a 
pass? Got any money? 

Farmer. {Nt^rvously .) I have only a little confederate 
money, my good man. 

William. What ! Confederate money I 

Farmer. No ; I mean greenbacks, — a small amount of 
greenbacks to buy a few stores foi- my family. {Aside.) I 
believe this nigger means to rob me. 

William^ See yere ! Old brick dust ! De sutler's tent 
am a right smart ways down dar, and you better be getting ; 
lor if any ob our boys finds you yere, dey will clean you 
out, — do you hear ? 

Faimer. Yes; I hear ; I'm going. Good evening, my 
good man, good evening. 



THE BAYONET. 69 

{Exit R.) 

William. Dat's played. Git ! Git dar, Johnny ! Dese 
yere white trash am mighty good when de Yanks am y^^i'e ; 
but when de rebs come, — git dar, nigger ! Git ! ( Widiam 
moves towards left.) "What's dis yere. 

(Hides.) 

{Enter a squad of soldiery^ a corporal and four men. 

Between the men marches Cllarence King. — William 

watches.) 

William, If dat was not Massa King, I neber see him 
befo. Whar is dey going ? 

( The soldiers move directly across the stage without halting^ 
and off at the right.) 

Willia7n. Whar is dey going wid Massa Clarence? 

{Widiam follows. Scene closes. Flats open.) 



ACT FOURTH. 

SCENE THIRD. 

{Head-quarters of Col. McManus. Ten days have elapsed 
since last scene. On the right a poor Virginia planter's 
house of squared logs, whitewashed, loith broad portico, 
one story and a half high. Locust trees about on the 
LEFT ; tico or three officers' wall tents. It is in the evening ; 
a sentry in an overcoat, paces in front, and there is a bright 
camp fire burning in the middle, about halfway back. En- 
ter Col. McManus from house to portico.) 
Colonel. Sentry ! Has Mr. Connery sent me another 

orderly ? 

Sentry, No, sir. But Mr. Connery is in the adjutant's 

quarters. 

Colonel. {Loudly.) Mr. Connery ! 

{Connery appears from officers' tent.) 

Lieut. Connery. Yes, Colonel ! 



70 THE BAYONET. 

Colonel. Excuse me, Mr. Connery, for calling 3^011 out, 
but my boots are off. How al>oat that orlerly? 

Lieut, Connery. Yes, Colonel. The Sergeant made 
another detail before 1 left camp. Scot, who was 
on duty here, was takeu sick. 

Colonel. Sick, or drunk '^ 

Lieut. Connery. Yes, a little of both, perhaps. {Aside ) 
But I don't understand it — here at head-quarters. Some- 
thing is up ! But here comes the Sergeant, now, sir. 

{Enter Sergt. Harding, li. With him, Bessie Moore, dis- 
guised as a Federal Soldier, — Private Milroy. 
This disguise must be perfect. None of those fancy^ 
big-hipped, lady-like soldiers, but a Federal soldier in the 
proper uniform; and, as it is in the 7iight-time. he can 
wear an oven-oat.) 

Sergt. H. {Salutes.) Detail for orderly, sir. 
Colonel. All right. Sergeant dismissed. 

{Exit R. Lieut. Connery scrutinizes Milroy.) 

Colonel. Have you done any orderly duty, my man? 
Milroy. {Salutes.) Only at company head-quarters, sir. 
Colonel. It is the same here. Make yourself comfort- 
able where 3^ou can hear me when 1 call. 

{Colonel re-enters house.) 

Lieut. Connery. Where have I seen that face before? 

{Lieut. Conyiery re-enters officers' quarters. Milroy saunters 
about, looking here and there.) 

Sentry. Say, old pal ; just jined? 

Mdroy. T joined two clays since. 

Sentry. Then 30U must have a chaw about yer. 

Milroy. Certain 1}^ 

{Proffers sentry tobacco.) 

Sentry. That's none of yev sutler's plug, is it? 

Milroy. Oh, no ! I bought it in Washington, on my 
way here. {Looks about.) Would you like a drink? 

Sentry. You bet ! Got any? {Milroy nods ) Go out 
there, where it is darker. Some bloody smeller may be 



THR BAYONET. 71 

round. [They move icell to left ; he drinks,') That's good 
for the chills ; got that in Washington, too, old pal? 

Mill oy. Yes I 

Sentry. I thought so. 
{He paces. Mihoy moves as far as possible from the sen- 

try to the left. Sentry keeps iceJl to the right ) 

Mihoy. {Aside.) So far 1 have been fortunate, indeed. 
I had some little difficulty in gcttiiii^ into this regiment, 
but luckily they were in need of recruits. But I was ter- 
ribl}^ scared when I was detailed into Capt. Fitzhugli's 
company ; and how fortunate for me that the Captain is 
absent on leave. I don't think this disguise, even, would 
deceive him; for Lieut. Connery, who never saw me but 
once, has been watching me sharply. What if they detect 
me ! Oh, Clarence ! Clarence ! how much I love thee ! 
But the papers 1 To find the papers ! 

Sentry. Say, old pal ! what are you doing out there? 

Milroy. Oh, nothing, — I'm only thinking. 

Sentry. Kind of lonesome ? Oh, you will get use to it. 

Milroy. Yes; I think so. {Aside.) That is the office 
tent. {Loud laughter and noise in the office tent.) The 
papers must be in there. But how to get at them. Those 
officers seem likel}' to make a night of it. Hear them. 
They little know, and for that matter, perhaps, little care, 
for the misery and sufferings of others. And Clarence is 
in irons almost within hearing of their carousal. Oh, this 
war! This horrid, cruel war! But the papers ! Those 
fearful papers, condemning my Clarence to be hung like a 
dog. {Shudders.) Let me but find them, and destroy 
them, and it will give our friends time to work for his 
pardon, and then to escape from this, before the Captain 
returns. 

{Colonel comes from the house to the portico.) 

Col. Orderly ! 
Milroy. Here, sir ! 

Cot. Take these papers to brigade head-quarters. Do 
you know where they are? 
Milroy. Oh yes, sir ! 

( Takes the papers. Colonel re-enters the house.) 



72 THE BAYONET. 

3filroy. ( To sentry,) Please tell me where the brigade 
head-quaiters are? 

Sentry. {Laughs.) Ob, just across there, old pal. 
That big Sibley tent is where you want to go. 

(M. mt^ves ojf, i?., looking at the papers,) 

Milroy, What if the papers were here I 

{Exit R.) 

Sentry, Blow me, if that isn't the garaest cove I ever 
see; didn't know where he was going, and wouldn't ask 
old Mc. {Enter WiUiam^ L.) !Say, Moak ; haven't a 
chaw, have yer? 

William. Course, 1 has ; as de Captain says, I am fond 
of the critter comforts. 

{Proffers sentry tobacco.) 

Sentry. Good boy, Moak. You are going to vote, you 
are. 

William. Yes, sah I Soger, you hasn't seen nuffln of 
dem odder niggers, has yer? 

Sentry. Oh, yes 1 They are in the kitchen, they are. 

William. I'll go in dar. {Moves off, as if to go in the 
rear of the house on the right, suddenly turns to the left.) 
{Aside.) I wonder whar dat massa King can be. About 
yere somewhere, shuah I He is de man what dey tried for 
de spy. Hang dat massa King ! De debil dey will. 

{I^xit L. Re-enter Milroy, R.) 

Milroy. Not among those, surely. {Noise in the office 
tent.) Will they ever vacate that tent? 

Wdliam. {Outside, loudly.) Help, dar! Help, dar! 
Come out yere some ob you niggers ! ( Wiltiam rushes on, 
L.) Where dose niggers? {Discovers Milroy.) Here, 
soger ! Come out yere, if you please ! Dar is an officer 
has fell down dar, and de man is done gone killed. 
Come out yere. Mr. Soger, if yuu please ! 

( WiUiam retreats, and is followed by Milroy. They 
bring in Capt. Fitzhugh, icho is insensible; when they get 
near the camp fire William recognizes the Captain.) 



THE BAYONET. 73 

William. Oh, golly, soger ! It's de massa Captain ! 
It*s de massa Captain ! 

{Milroy stands confounded.) 

{Connery rashes out of the office tent ) 

Lieut. Connery. William, what's the matter here? 
Whom have you there? {Rtcognizesthe Captain.) Good 
Heavens ! it's the Captain ! Bring him in here. {Lieut. 
Connery takes the Captain by the shoulders.) La}^ hold of 
bis feet there, my man ! You look as if you were petri- 
fied ! 

( All take hold, and carry him in. William rushes out of 
the tent.) 

William. De doctor ! whar am de doctor ? 

{Exit L. Milroy comes from the tent.) 

Milroy. Capt. Fitzhiigh here ! and hurt ! perhaps 
fatally. His horse must have fallen on him. Poor fellow ! 
But how fortunate that he could not see me ; 1 was com- 
pletely unnerved. 

{Enter Doctor and William, L. They move to the tent 
ivhere the Captain ivas taken,) 

William. Dar doctor, he is in dar. 

{They enter the tent. Williain comes out immediately.) 

William. Yes, sah. I '11 hab a bucket ob water dar 
in de twinklin' ob a lam's tail ! 

{Exit L.) 

Milroy. I wish I knew how badly he is injured. But 
it won't do for me to go in there. 

Sentry. Say, old pal, what's the row? 

Milroy. An officer's horse has fallen and injured him. 

Sentry. Oh! is that all? Say, old pal, you wouldn't 
mind giving me another pull at that glass friend of yours? 

Milroy. Oh, no ; you are welcome. 

{Milroy turns his back to the officers' quarters to give the 
drink to sentry They talk together. Connery looks 
fro7n the tent. lie-enter William, L., with bucket.) 
William. Yere is de water! Yere it is, doctor! 
7 



74 THE BAYONET. 

( William enters tJie tent and comes therefrom directly ivith 
the Captain's coat.) Did any white man eber see such a 
looking coat as dis yere? {Paper drops Jrom the coat.) 
What's dat? Mighty big paper dat. {Takes it to thefire^ 
stoops to read. Spells.) C-1-a-r-e-n-c-e, Klarance ! 
What's dis? K-i-n-g. King! Wliy, dis yere am about 
de massa King ! P-a-r-d-o-n, Pardon ! What ! ! Oh, 
golly, golly ! But dis yere must go to massa King befo 
dis nigger sleeps. 

( William drops the coat. Exit />., hastily.) 
{Cannery leaves the tent and moves to the rear and left and 
conceals himself. Col. Mc. appears on the portico.) 

Colonel. Orderly ! Here, orderly ! 

Milroy. Here, sir ! {Salutes.) 

Colonel. Orderly, take these papers to the adjutant's 
quarters. Ask him to please look them over to-night. 
Tell him they came by to-night's mail. You can then be 
excused for the night. 

{Milroy takes the papers. Colonel re-enters the house.) 

Milroy. {Aside.) What if the paper were here? {Peers 
about and looks at the papejs.) 1 can't see here. {Moves 
to the fire.) That's not it, nor that. {Starts.) Merci- 
ful heavens ! Here it is. {Beads ) " Henry Eaton," 
he gave that name. "Hung!" "Approved." {Pushes 
this 2^aper into his pocket.) But the others — I must de- 
liver them, or I shall be suspected before J can get away. 

{He enters the office tent, leaves the others, and moves to- 
wards the fire. Cannery watching.) 

Sentry, Say, old pal ! Getting cold, ain't you? You 
have been dismissed, you have. 

Milroy. Yes ; I was a little cold, but I am going to 
camp now ; good night ! 

Sentry. Good night, old pal ! Turn out early in the 
morning, old pal ! 

{Sentry paces hack to Milroy.) 

3Iilroy. Oh, yes! {Coyinery watching. Milroy moves 
to the fire.) Let me be sure. Yes, yes! This is the 
paper. {Looks about, and lights ii. Coniiery approaches, 



THE BAYONET. 75 

and when it is about half burnt.) Safe! Thank God ! 
Safe for the present ! 

{Coimery lays his hand on Milroy*s shoulder from behind.) 
Lieut. Cannery. Yes, safe ! 

{Tableau. Scene doses, — flats in front.) 



ACT FOURTH. 

SCENE FOURTH. 



(Aivood^same as scene second, third act. Enter private 
Scot, R., apparently unarmed; his coat is open, bat he 
carries a pistol under his coat.) 

Scot. Here it is six o'clock in the morning, and that 
cove, Mih-oy, not 3'et in camp. Jumped his bounty so 
quick. Here he gives me fifteen dollars (takes out the 
bills) to play sick, and let him have my post at old Mac's 
headquarters. But blow me, if I can make out what he 
wanted there. He might have cut from camp, if he wanted 
to shake us — he could. Oh, I guess he didn't know any 
better, and hived in with some of those head-quarter rib- 
roasters. Won't they skin him at draw? That Sergeant 
is a natural carder he is. Fifteen dollars ! and I says, I'll 
go down to the sutler's and jerk me a pair of them high 
top boots — I will. {Discovers a citizen approaching.) 
Hullo, that old Johnny has just bought a pair of them 
boots. Them's my boots. {Enter citizen, L.) Hullo ! 
old secesh ! How's your family? 

Citizen. Good morning, stranger ! My family is right 
well, I reckon, consideriu' how wearedruvup. Stranger, 
this war has ruined me ! J have lost ten likely niggers, 
all my stock, last week your people tuk the old mar, and 
now my daughter has run otf with one of your officers. 

Scot. Kind of rough, Johnny. Say, Johnny, what 
time is it? 



76 THE BAYONET. 

Citizen. {Nervously.) I don't know what time it is, 
— on my honor as a gentleman, I don't know. sir. 

{Soldier draivs his pistol^ moves quickly on the citizen^ and 
presents it.) 

Scot. Say, Old Dominion, shell ! I want that ticker , 
I do. 

Citizen. 'Fore heaven, sir, I really don't know what 
time of day it is. 'Fore heaven, I don't, sir. 

Scot. No chin ! Shell ! or I will start a new Southern 
graveyard ! 

{Citizen gives Scot the watch.) 

Citizen. Stranger, that watch has been in my family 
twenty years. 

Scot. Oh, cheese it! that's too long for a watch to be 
in any one famil}^ I will keep it in mine a few days for 
a change. {Points to his boots.) Rebellion, come up out 
of them boots ! 

Citizen. Stranger, I have just bought these boots at 
your sutler's, down there. Stranger, my darter is to be 
married to-morrow to the officer, and I — 

Scot. {Interrvptihg.) Come up! {He pulls off the 
hoots. Scot moves off^ and pulls off' his hoots.) Issue me 
them mud hooks ! {They exchange hoots.) Sa}^ Johnny, 
do you live inside the lines .'^ 

Citizen. No, stranger. I got a pass to come in and 
buy — 

Scot. Come down with that pass? 

Citizen. But, stranger, if I am found inside the lines 
without a pass, I shall be arrested as a spy. 

Scot. That's m}^ little game. Come down with that 
pass! {Citizen gives Scot the pass.) But I will see you 
out of the lines; I knows the fellers on picket. Fall in, 
chivalry ! Squad about face ! ( 7 he citizen faces about as 
Scot ai7ns the pistol at him.) Forward, march ! {They 
move sloiily to the left.) Oh, I'll see ycu safely out of the 
lines. There is nothing mean about me. Oh, no ! Only 
I'm poor — I am — and I have to provide for myself. 
{Exeunt^ L. Scene closes. Flats in front.) 



THE BAYONET. 77 

ACT' FOURTH. 

SCENE FIFTH. 

{Captain FKzImgh's head-quarters same as before; 8 A.M. 
2 he captain is seen in his bed. Lieutenant Thompson 
near^ smoTxing and reading. A drill call outside. Capt, 
F. sits up in bed. He has on his trousers and stockings 
and woollen .shirt.) 

Capt. F. Mr. Thompson ! Was not that the drill call ? 

Lieut. Thompson. Yes, sir; it's now eight o'clock. 

Capt. F. I had no idea it was so late. {Feels of his 
neck and side.) Mr. Thompson ; I'm as stiff as one of 
those wooden Indians in trout of the tobacco stores ! 
Blazes ! But I feel as if I had been used for a foot ball. 

Lieut. Thompson. Well, Captain ; you were lucky to 
get off without any broken bones, considering that you run 
your horse directly into a ditch, some four feet deep, near 
head-quarters. When they brought you here I thought we 
should have to plant you, Captain. 

Capt. F. Plant me ! Run my horse into a ditch ! 
Why didn't the horse know enough to keep out of the 
ditches? According to your view of the case, it came 
near being my 'Mast ditch." Eh, Thompson? May I 
trouble yoi; for ray coat ? There is a paper in it I wish to 
examine^ 

Lieut, Tlwmpson, Certainly, Your overcoat? 

Capt. F. No, my frock cog.t. It's there, is it not? 

Lieut, Thompson. No, Captain. You wore only j'our 
overcoat when they brought you here. 

{F. starts^ — leaves the bed.) 

Capt. F. My coat not here? Here! William! Wil- 
liam;! where are my boots? What's t.he matter with that 
boy? Fire! fire I I dislike to excite William's hopes so 
^arly in the morning, Mr. Thompson, but I don't s^ce my 
biOOts, do yoa? " ^ 

Lieut. Thompson. William has not been hcfre ?' 
about nine o'clock, last evening, sir. 
7* 



ince 



78 THE BAYONET. 

Capt. F. What! William not here? Mr. Thompson, 
this company is getting demoralized. 

Lieut. Thompson. Uncle Peter sa3^s he was not in 
camp last night. I will find yonr boots, Captain. 

{Exit C. R.) 
Capt. F. My coat missing,- — and the pardon with it. 
I snppose they pulled off tho coat when they took me into 
the Adjutant's (juarters, and put me back into the over- 
coat because it was easier to get on. 1 didn't come up 
very smiling after that round with the ditch. Here ! 
Orderly ! Orderly ! 

{Enter Orderly, R.) 

Orderly. Here, sir. {Salutes.) 

Capt. F, Orderly, go over to regimental head-quarters 
and see if they have my frock coat there. Bring it here. 
Lively! Orderly! {Orderly starts.) Don't drop any pa- 
pers from it ! Mind, now I 

Orderly. Yes, sir. 

{Exit Orderly, R, Re-enter Thompson with the Captain's 
boots, which gives to the Captain.) 

Copt. F. Thank you. {He pnlls on one, and com- 
mences to pull on the other.) Where is Mr. Connery? 
Lieut. Thompson. Don't know, Captain. 

{Capt, Fitzhugh stops tvith the boot half-way on.) 

Capt. F. Don't know? See here, Mr. Thompson, will 
you have the kindness to offer me a driuk, and if I refuse 
it, 1 shall then know I am asleep, as I now more than half 
suspect. Is he on picket duty ? 

Lieut. Thompson. No, sir. He turned out very earl}', 
this morning, and I overheard one of the men say he 
went towards army head-quarters. 

{Rap outside.) 

Copt. F. {Crossly.) Come in ! 

{Enter L., 1st Sergt. Hard in g.) 

Sergt. H. {Salutes.) Morning report, sir. {Gives the 
Captain the rep)ort.) One man missing. 
Capf.F. What? 



THE BAYONET. 79 

SeryL IT, One man missing, =— Milroy, a recruit^ sir. 
On duty at regimental head-quarters, last night ; cut of 
camp all night ; not on post this morning. 

Capt. t. {Quietly; for he must shotv no feeling in the 
presence of the ^Sergeant.) All right, Sergeant ; dismissed. 
{Sergeant salutes. Exit L. Then, vigoroiidij.) How 
many recruits have we received in my absence? 

Lieut. Thompson. Six, sir. 

Cajn. F. And one of those high-price patriots jumps 
his bountj\ so soon? 

Lieut. Thompson. So it seems, sir. 

Copt. F. Mr. Thompson, this command is going to the 
devil. My coat is lost, William disappears, Mr. Connery 
goes off kiting all over the country, and the men com 
mence to desert,- — all in twelve hours. We ought to be 
mustered out, and made sutlers, or Freedmen's Bureau 
agents. 

Lieut. Thompson. Captain, I know you are not in the 
habit of drinking before breakfast, but 1 think a cocktail 
will do you good this morning. I know of no other rem- 
ed}' for all this, which is a mystery to me. 

Copt. F. Do yon, though? Well, Mr. Thompson, now 
I come to notice it, your head is quite horizontal on the 
top there. I think 1 will wet my Federal clay. But, 
make it a mild, lady-like ration, if you please, sir. {Rap 
outside.) Come in ! {Enter Doctor — {Surgeon Walker,) 
E.) Good morning, friend Quinine ! 

Doctor. Good morning, gentlemen. 

Lieut. Thompson. Hoav do you do. Doctor? 

Ca2)t. F. Uncle Peter ! uncle Peter 1 

Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. 

Copt. F. Lay another plate for breakfast. 

Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. 
{Doctor moves to the Captain^ and feels of his pulse ) 

Doctor. A little fever. Quiet, and rest, though, is all 
you need. 

{The Captain arrangis his toilet. Thompson is mixing 
drinks.) 

Copt. F. Quiet and rest ! This is a nice spot for quiet 
and rest ! Doctor, what did you do with my coat last 
niffht ! 



80 THE BAYONET. 

(^Doctor mecUfates.) 

Doctor. I think your bo,v, William, took it to clertn. 

Capt. F. My boy, William 1 Was that peregrinating 
African at head-quarters last night, when I located myself 
there ? 

Doctor. Certainly ; he was the first to find you. 

Copt. F. And now he turns up missing. 

Lieut. Thompson. Doctor, shall I mix yon a cocktail? 

Capt. F. Of course ; the Doctor knows the efficacy of 
" commissary ^' in driving off the chills. 

Doctor. If you please. 

{Raps outside.) 

Capt. F. Come in. {Enter Col. McMamis,) Colonel, 
how do 3^ou do? 

Colonel. Nicely, thank you, Captain. Good morning, 
Doctor. Good morning, Mr. Thompson. Putting up 
some of the Doctor's prescri[)tion? 

LieiU. Thompson. Yes, Colonel ; have one? 

Colonel. Don't care if I do. 

Doctor. He needs it. 

Capt. F. Uncle Peter ! 

Vncle Teter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. 

(.>apt. F. Lay another plate lor breakfast. 

Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Y^es, sah. 

Capt. F. Colonel, have you seen Mr. Connery this 
morning ? 

Colonel. No, Captain ; why do you ask me? 

Capt. F. Oh! for no especial reason. About half of 
my camp and most of my waidrobe is missing ; he among 
the rest. 

Colonel. 1 think he will turn up at the right time. It's 
a way he has. 

Capt. F. {Aside.) What does all this mean? There 
is some mystery here. (i?ops outside.) Come in. 

{Enter Orderly with cocU. L.) 

Orderly. Coat, sir. {Salutes.) 

{Hands the Captain his coat, who feels for the Pardon, at 
once.) 



THE BAYONET. 81 

Copt F. {Aside.) Not here ! Where did 5'ou find it, 
Orderly ? 

Orderly. The camp-guard had it. Found it on the 
ground, this morning. 

Capt. F. Go directly back, and search where it was 
found. There is a paper missing from the pocket. 

Orderly. Yes, sir. 

{Salutes. Exit, L.) 

Capt. F. {Aside.) William had this coat, and left it 
on the ground all night ; and now he is missing, and the 
pardon also. What does tliis mean? {Loudly.) Gen- 
tlemen, there is going to be a first-class row in this army ! 

Colonel, How's that? \ 

Doctor. What? > {Together.) 

Lieut. TJiompson. Captain ! j 

Capt. F. Excuse me. I think my nerves are just a 
trifle weak this morning. As the first-family men saj^ 
*' Come, gentlemen, let's liquor ! " 

Lieut. Thor)ipbon. Here they are. 

{He indicates the cocktails ivhich he has mixed.) 

Capt. F. It is of no use, Colonel ; fire won't bring 
that boy this morning. 

Col. Indeed! Where is he? 

Capt. F. That is just what I have been trying to ascer- 
tain. ( They get their dippers or mugs in hand and arrange 
themselves for the tableau, — the Colonel in the middle, Doctor 
and Thompson on his right {the left), and the Capt. on his 
left {the right.) Gentlemen, I am — {They raise their dip- 
pers or mugs. Rap outside. Fettishly.) We shall never 
get this drink. Come in I 

{Enter Mrs. Fitzhugh and Clara Connelly.) 
{Tableau.) 
Clara. Where's Dick ? Where's Dick ? 
{She rushes about for him.) 

Mrs. F. Husband ! 
Capt. F. My wife here ? 

{They embrace.) 



82 THE BAYONET. 

Clara. Where is Dick? Here, I must embrace some 
one. 

Col. Me! 

Doctor. Me ! 

Lieut. Thompson. Me ! 

( Clara iv ithdraws.) 

Clara. Excuse me, gentlemen. Please consider your- 
selves all embraced. But, Captani, where is Dick? He 
is — (hesitates) — ^he is not hurt, Captain. 

Capt. F. Oh, no ! He was all right at daylight this 
morning, and as he has not been in action since with any- 
thing stronger than commissary, I think he is safe enough 
now. He will be here soon, I hope. 

Clara. Oh, thank you, Captain, thank you. 

Capt. F. Gentlemen, excuse me. In the excitement 
of this rather unexpected arrival of recruits, I have for- 
gotten to present you. Gentlemen, — Mrs. Fitzhugh, and 
Miss Clara Connery, my first officer's gushing sister. 

Clara. Oh! Captain! 

Capt. F. Ladies, — this is our Colonel, Colonel Mc- 
Manus ; and this is our surgeon, Dr. Walker. He is not 
the original Dr. Walker, for you will notice he wears the 
regulation clothing above his boots. And this is my 
second officer, Mr. Thompson. Clara, 3^ou will remember 
Mr. Thompson as our first sergeant, when we left home. 

Clara. {To T.) I am happy to meet you, Lieutenant. 

Lieut. Thompson. Thank you. 
{They step aside together, and take a position on the right, 

tolerably ntar the right door. Mrs. Fitzhugh is on the 

right of her hnshaod, the Captain; the left, the Doctor; 

and the Colonel on the right of the Doctor, — the left of 

the stage.) 

Capt. F. Uncle Peter ! 

Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. 

Capt. F. Lay two more plates foi- breakfast. 

Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. 

Capt. F. Is not tbis a perlect surprise, Colonel? 

31rs. F. As .we intended to make it. 

Capt. F. As much, Captain, to you, as it was two 
hours since to 'nie. 



THE BAYONET. 88 

Ca2yt. C, Yes ; it is a perfect success. And if Mr. 
Connery were only here to see Clara. 

{Enter Gonnery with Bessie Moore in her proper costume^ 
R. All start.) 

Lieut. Connery. Yes, Connery is here. {Discovers 
Claia.) Clara, you here? 
Clara, Dick! Oh, Dick! 

{They embrace.) 

Capt. C. Is it possible? Miss Bessie Moore here? 

Lieut Connery. Yes, she seems to be now. But I was 
in doubt about it, yesterday. 

Capt. F. Mr. Connery, please illuminate this subject. 

Lieut. Connery. Yes ; perhaps, though, the Colonel can 
do it better. 

Copt. F. The Colonel? More and more mystery. 
Doctor, please experiment on me, and let me know who I 
am, and where I am. 

{All laugh.) 

Col. Yes, Captain. Brieflj^, this is your missing yq- 
cvmt^ private Milroy ! 

Capt. F. Bessie Moore in Federal blue? 

Bessie. Indeed I was, yesterday. 

Col. Yes. Captain, Private Milroy enlisted in our regi- 
ment to save Henry Eaton, who is not Eaton, but Clarence 
King, and for whom Miss Moore has something of a liking. 
Private Milroy induced the Sergeant to detail him to our 
head-quarters last night, to enable him to destroy the find- 
ings of the court, and thereby gain time for his friends 
lo secure a pardon. 

Capt. F. Yes, Colonel, but he is already par — 

Coi. Excuse me. Captain ; Private Milroy succeeded 
in destroying the papers, and Mr. Connery — - 

Lieut. Country. Yes ; Connery happened to detect the 
fair incendiary in the act, and took him, — her, — to the 
Colonel's quarters. 

Bessie. And the Colonel's lady kindly loaned me this 
suit, which, perhaps, better becomes me than did the uni- 
lorm. 



84 THE BAYONET. 

Capt. F. This is wonderful! Do 3^011 know, Colonel, 
this reminds me of the Arabian Nights business. Excuse 
me; I hiive forgotten to present you, Be, — Miss Bessie. 
Well, perhaps you all feel pretty well acquainted ; at least, 
you ought to by this time if you don't. But, Mr. Con- 
nery, why were you up so early this morning? 

Col. To get the approval at army head-quarters of 
Private Milroy's discharge. 

Lieut. Coimery. Yes ; here it is. 

{Gives it to Bessie.) 

Bessie. Thank you, Mr. Connery. 

Capt. F. Oh yes ! You have all done considerable in 
the sensation and surprise line ; itoiv for my turn, for our 
work is not yet completed. As to the pardon — 

{Enter Clarence King and Wm. R.) 

Wm. Wherefo' am de job not done? Massa Captain, 
yere is de pardon ! {Holds out the pardon which Connery 
takes.) And yere is de man ! {Bessie and Clarence King 
rush into each others arms^ and Wm. shuffles.) Dat's 
right ! Dat's right ! 

Capt. F. What's this? Why, this was to be my part 
of the sensation business ; but never mind. {Bessie cuid 
King separate.) Be — , Miss Bessie, this, 1 suppose, is 
the happy ma 1? 

Bessie. Indeed, he is. 

Clarence. Indeed, I am. And, Captain, I thank you. 

I 

{The Captain interrupts.) 

Cap)t. F. Oh, never mind that, old fellow. I only did 
a man's duty, 

Clarence. And, I thank you all, including my faithful 
and true friend here, William. 

Williayn. Yes, Massa King, dis am a big day for dis 
yere camp. 

Bessie. Mr. Connery, {Connery comes forward) I wish 
to thank 3'ou, sir, for your manl}^ consideration and great 
kindness. Now, {she takes Clarence by the hand) now, 1 
think I can say, — safe, at last ! 



THE BAYONET. 85 

Lieut. Connery. {Giving the pardon to King.) Yes, — 
now — safe ! 

Capt. C. Uncle Peter ! uncle Peter ! 

Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sah. 

Capt. C. Uncle Peter, lay all the plates for breakfast. 

Uncle Peter. {Outside.) Yes, sab. 
( Uncle Peter thrusts his head through the cook-room door.) 

Unde Peter. {Aside,) Wbat de debil is de matter 
yere ? 

Capt. F. My friends, — a short time since, and before 
my family got to be so happily extensive as it new is, we 
were about to take something for the chills. I think, noio, 
we will postpone it, until I can send to the sutler's and 
procure something that will enable the ladies to join us, 
ivhen^ if you please, we will drink to this sentiment : — 

'' May the deplorable events which now distract our un- 
fortunate country, terminate as happily as these adven- 
tures seem likel}" to end." 

{Tableau.) 
{Curtain down,) 



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